Police state that James Joseph Platte Jr., 29, assaulted his girlfriend on Sunday. Then he forced her to get in her car, and with him driving they took off. Police also state that Platte intentionally rammed a tree with the vehicle, allegedly in an attempt at a murder suicide.
After the wreck some witnesses state they heard Platte threaten his girlfriend before he fled on foot prior to emergency services arriving. The girlfriend was taken to the hospital. One article says she was treated and released and the other says that she is in critical condition.
Police then acting on a tip Tues. morning located Platte and placed him under arrest. He could be charged with attempted murder and kidnapping.
Platte does have a prior criminal record of driving on a suspended license, assault, drug possession, larceny, and safe burglary.
http://www.record-eagle.com/2006/aug/30platte.htm
http://www.tv7-4.com/Global/story.asp?S=5336057&nav=1vrj
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Attempted murder charges were dropped against James Joseph Platte Jr. Law enforcement says that is pending some DNA testing as Platte has denied that he was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash. Platte was convicted of drug possession and sentenced to 15 years. As of 07/07 Platte was also charged with aggravated assault for an alleged assault on a cellmate in the jail.
MagZ said,
August 31, 2006 at 7:11 am
This happened 30 miles from me…she is in extremely critical condition in a downstate hospital…injuries are from the beating…not the wreck.
This happens more and more lately up here. I’ve come to realize that living in tiny northern town protects you from NOTHING. It just seems more personal,because someone is either related to,or good friends with, at least one person involved in every story.
homesweethome said,
August 31, 2006 at 7:37 am
Thanks for the info MagZ, I couldn’t believe it when one article said released and one said critical.
MagZ said,
August 31, 2006 at 10:13 pm
Just heard update on 6p news..still critical enough to have them say “if she doesn’t survive this attack,charges willbe upgraded to murder. Also, no surprise, turns out he is one of those meth people that seem to have invaded the last of the safe places to be..
JAMES PLATTE SR. said,
July 27, 2008 at 6:07 pm
SHE WAS NEVER IN A DOWNSTATE HOSPITAL. IT WAS OCYCODIN AND CLOSAPAN HE SUPPOSING HAD. THE ATTEMPTED MURDER WAS DROPPED. THIS WAS THE FIRST LIE OF MANY MORE TO FOLLOW FROM AUTHORITIES. SHE WAS TREATED AND RELEASED. DON’T EVER BELEIVE EVERYTHING YOU READ OR SEE ON T.V. WHO WAS REALLY DRIVING?