Shreveport, La. — A domestic violence victim chose not to participate in the prosecution of her attacker, but despite her refusal to testify, Barkalski Clark, 42, pleaded guilty to two counts of violence against his longtime dating partner before Caddo District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr. on Wednesday, just before his trial was set to begin.
Clark pleaded guilty to aggravated assault of a dating partner, which could result in up to five years in prison, and battery of a dating partner with serious bodily injury, carrying a potential sentence of up to eight years. His sentencing is scheduled for March 12.
The first violent incident occurred on June 13, 2023, when Clark physically attacked his partner and threatened her with a knife. The woman had returned home to retrieve some personal belongings, but Clark, who had been hiding around the side of the house, followed her inside and launched the attack.
The second incident took place earlier, on May 31, 2023, when Clark assaulted the same woman by repeatedly striking her in the face with a closed fist, knocking her to the ground. She sustained a broken nose and extensive bruising across her body.
Although the victim refused to testify, prosecutors were able to proceed with the case by presenting medical records and photographs that supported the charges. The state’s case was led by assistant district attorneys Britney A. Green and Ron Christopher Stamps, while Clark was defended by Evan McMichaels.
