(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City woman could face significant prison time for her alleged life threatening attack with a baseball bat.

 

Tina Benton, 52, is charged with Level 3 Felony Aggravated Battery.

 

According to court documents, Benton on December 4th was a house guest of the victim who woke up in her living room to the suspect standing directly above her.

 

Benton was also yelling and holding a baseball bat, authorities said. Benton immediately began striking the woman who suffered several hairline fractures to her skull, face and hand.

 

According to police, the victim was lucky to have survived the attack.

 

The investigation revealed Benton allegedly fled the home in the 200 block of Village Road after her husband began rendering aid to the victim and called police.  Police said all of the people involved were longtime friends.

 

The investigation determined mental illness fueled by drug use was mentioned as a possible explanation for the suspect’s act of violence.

 

She could face anywhere from a 3-to-16 year sentence.