THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 30, 1994 TAG: 9407300206
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: MANASSAS LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
Lorena Bobbitt's parents moved from Venezuela to Woodbridge in spring to help her get her life back in order after severing her husband's penis last year.
Now she wants to move in with them.
Bobbitt's attorney has filed a motion with Prince William County Commonwealth's Attorney Paul B. Ebert's office requesting a change in the terms of her probation so she can live with her parents.
Bobbitt has been staying with Bobbitt family friends in Stafford County, as specified by the terms of her probation.
Circuit Judge Herman A. Whisenant Jr. has indicated that, if Ebert agrees with the motion, he will approve the change without a hearing, according to court documents.
Ebert was out of town this week.
``I can't see any reason . . . why it would not be approved,'' said Bobbitt's attorney, Blair D. Howard. ``It's only natural for someone to want to live with their parents after something like this.''
Bobbitt, 25, said she cut off her husband's penis because he had raped her. A jury found her innocent by reason of temporary insanity in January.
She was subsequently sent to a state mental hospital for evaluation. In March, she was released on the condition that she receive therapy and not leave the state.
According to court documents, Bobbitt works as a legal secretary in Falls Church and has been attending weekly sessions of group and individual therapy.
The family with whom Bobbitt is living supports her desire to move to the two-story town house shared by her parents and sister.
Irma Castro, who testified at Bobbitt's trial, said in a deposition that she cannot provide her ``with the nurturing environment she now needs.''
``She is very grateful to the Castros for giving her a place to stay for all these months,'' Howard said. ``But now that her parents are here, it's time for her to go home.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Bobbitt
by CNB