JACKSON COUNTY, West Virginia — Two years after being left for dead, a woman woke up from a coma to identify her brother as the alleged attacker who nearly killed her.
In June 2020, neighbors found Wanda Palmer slumped on her couch and covered in blood with severe injuries caused by what appeared to be an ax or hatchet, according to authorities.
“I wouldn’t bet a cent on her life this morning,” Jackson County Sheriff Ross Mellinger told WCHS. “She was in such bad shape. And frankly, he was unconscious and walking around the drain medically. Massive, massive amounts of head trauma. You know, consistent with some sort of machete or ax injury. “
Wanda Palmer has been hospitalized since then, unable to tell investigators who attacked her or why.
Mellinger said authorities were trying to eliminate suspects, uncover leads and execute search warrants. He added that Wanda Palmer and her brother, Daniel Palmer, 55, had a history of violence. But authorities had no evidence that he might have done so.
Days ago, Wanda Palmer’s nursing home called authorities saying she was awake and able to speak.
When a deputy asked her who hurt her, she said it was her brother.
“For her to wake up and say, you know, you name it, thank God. That’s all I can say. Thank God, because she definitely deserves justice. Definitely,” Mellinger said.
Daniel Palmer has been charged with attempted murder and wounding.
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