Most people like to sit back and relax Thanksgiving evening. The stress from preparing a large holiday meal coupled with guests in your home compels most people to take some time and just relax. When that is interrupted or tensions rise during holiday meals, criminal behavior is right around the corner.
That's what appears to have occurred to Annette Jenkins of Tampa. When her brother brought over an unexpected guest late Thanksgiving evening, Jenkins threatened to kill her with a machete. Now, whether the threat was an idle one is immaterial. Jenkins committed an assault by verbally threatening her and picking up a machete. In Florida, an assault occurs when someone threatens another person through word or deed with the ability to carry out the threat.
So, instead of enjoying a quiet night at home, Jenkins spent the night in the Hillsborough County Jail facing an assault charge. The charge will no doubt have lingering effects on future employment, job references, and living arrangements. Each of us needs to consider this before we say or do anything out of anger, pressure, tension, or holiday exhaustion. The consequences of not doing so can be life altering.
Leave a comment