COLUMBUS, Ohio — A Columbus man who serves as a local community leader has been charged with murder in the death of his girlfriend. Police say that when he brought her to the hospital with serious injuries, he kept trying to answer questions for her and wouldn’t let her explain what happened.
Nathaniel Wilkins, 52, has been indicted on charges of murder, felonious assault, strangulation or suffocation, and domestic violence in the death of 53-year-old Sara Estep, according to CBS affiliate WBNS.
A Hospital Visit Raises Red Flags
Wilkins brought Estep to Grant Medical Center in Columbus on September 5 after she was hurt at their home.
Police who responded to the hospital said Wilkins was “trying to answer the questions for her and not allow her to say what happened.”
According to court documents obtained by WBNS, hospital staff told police Estep had severe burns on her face, neck and chest, along with bruises on her legs and stomach. Her injuries were so serious that she was moved to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
What Police Say Happened
Investigators said Estep told them Wilkins became angry when she refused to get into a bathtub because the water was too hot. Police allege Wilkins then put his hands around her neck and forced her into the hot water.
Police said Estep’s eyes were swollen shut.
Charges Upgraded to Murder
Wilkins was arrested on September 10. Estep died from her injuries on October 16, and her death was ruled a homicide. Wilkins was then indicted on a murder charge.
At a court hearing Thursday, a judge set his bond at $1 million. His next court date has not been scheduled.
A Local Community Leader
According to WBNS, Wilkins serves as a North Linden Area Commissioner and has advocated for causes such as housing. As of Friday, his name was still listed on the commission’s website.
The charges against Wilkins are accusations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.