Woman Who Punched Deaf Woman Convicted

[Kalista]

POSTED: 5:42 pm EST March 1, 2005
UPDATED: 6:38 pm EST March 1, 2005

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. -- A woman who punched a deaf woman in the face because of her companion hearing dog was found guilty of battery Tuesday.

Deputies said in November 2003, Jean Costanza Sala, 71, went into New York Italian Buffet restaurant in Tamarac accompanied by her hearing dog. The manager of the restaurant agreed to allow Sala, a medium-sized Sheltie, to stay in the restaurant.

At that point, Jeanne Shapiro, 49, who was in the restaurant with her mother, became angry when the dog was allowed to stay, saying it made her "sick to her stomach."

An argument began between the two women, and continued as they went outside, according to witnesses.

Deputies said Sala was trying to explain to Shapiro that she relies on her dog because she is deaf, when suddenly Shapiro punched her in the mouth with a closed fist, splitting Sala's lip open.

Broward Sheriff's Office deputies and Tamarac Fire Rescue paramedics were called. Sala was treated at the scene.

Shapiro was arrested and charged with battery on a person over 65, a third-degree felony.

She is being held on $30,000 bond. Shapiro will be sentenced in April. She faces up to five years in prison.

 

[wisdomlady]

POSTED: 5:42 pm EST March 1, 2005
UPDATED: 6:38 pm EST March 1, 2005

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. -- A woman who punched a deaf woman in the face because of her companion hearing dog was found guilty of battery Tuesday.

Deputies said in November 2003, Jean Costanza Sala, 71, went into New York Italian Buffet restaurant in Tamarac accompanied by her hearing dog. The manager of the restaurant agreed to allow Sala, a medium-sized Sheltie, to stay in the restaurant.

At that point, Jeanne Shapiro, 49, who was in the restaurant with her mother, became angry when the dog was allowed to stay, saying it made her "sick to her stomach."

An argument began between the two women, and continued as they went outside, according to witnesses.

Deputies said Sala was trying to explain to Shapiro that she relies on her dog because she is deaf, when suddenly Shapiro punched her in the mouth with a closed fist, splitting Sala's lip open.

Broward Sheriff's Office deputies and Tamarac Fire Rescue paramedics were called. Sala was treated at the scene.

Shapiro was arrested and charged with battery on a person over 65, a third-degree felony.

She is being held on $30,000 bond. Shapiro will be sentenced in April. She faces up to five years in prison.

Yayyy...good for her...she is brave lady just like me...we need more women who just like us...I am gonna teach all women how to be tough...lol

 

[CrazyMomma]

WHOA!!

 

[Deaf258]

I hope Shapiro goes to jail!

 

[Toonces]

Hitting an elderly woman just because she have a hearing guide dog is really low, man. 0_o Jeanne Shapiro should be ashamed.

 

[Steel X]

I hope Shapiro goes to jail!

she is. facing 5 years in prison for breaking a law that a certain person is not allowed to attack another person over 65 years old or older. it was definetly a serious crime so that ol' bitch sure deserves some time in the ol' cell.

P.S. I had a dog exactly like that. though she looks pretty much like a collie...lol

 

[Reba]

...Deputies said in November 2003, Jean Costanza Sala, 71, went into New York Italian Buffet restaurant in Tamarac accompanied by her hearing dog. The manager of the restaurant agreed to allow Sala, a medium-sized Sheltie, to stay in the restaurant.

At that point, Jeanne Shapiro, 49, who was in the restaurant with her mother, became angry when the dog was allowed to stay, saying it made her "sick to her stomach."

An argument began between the two women, and continued as they went outside, according to witnesses. ..

I don't understand why the manager didn't take better control of the situation before it became a fight. When Shapiro became upset about the dog, the manager should have intervened. It is his place of business, and he is responsible for maintaining order.