'Getting angry doesn't constitute domestic violence': Woman murdered by husband week after judge dismissed protective order

An Ohio judge has defended a ruling after a woman's domestic violence case was dismissed just one week before her estranged husband murdered her.

Gaberien "Gabe" Clevenger, 22, of Mansfield, Ohio, was stabbed to death by her husband, Alec Blair, 21. He later confessed to the crime.

Her killing came less than one week after she attended a hearing about wanting a protective court order against her husband. It was denied because she "failed to testify to any acts of domestic violence" despite giving evidence that her former partner had repeatedly threatened her.

Judge Heather Cockley of Richland County Domestic Relations Court defended the magistrate who made the decision, adding "The magistrate who heard this case has cried many tears for the victim and her family. She has also been unmercifully and unfairly attacked and blamed on social media", the Mansfield News Journal reported.

Ms Clevenger's body was found on 11 February dumped in a wooded area after her husband led law enforcement to the location.

On that same day, Mr Blair was arrested and charged with murder in connection to his wife's death. He remains in Richland County Jail on $1m bond.

Ms Clevenger first filed for a protective order against her husband on 22 January and attended the hearing by herself. A hearing was then scheduled on the 5 February with both parties present for the woman to present her case in front of magistrate Sharon May.

Evidence provided by Ms Clevenger included instances of her husband allegedly harassing her over the phone, showing up to her home and breaking her things, and sending her Facebook messages saying he "hopes she dies".

According to audio from the 22 January hearing, the woman called law enforcement one evening after her husband came to her home and started breaking items.

"Petitioner testified that respondent has been showing aggression as if he actually wants to hit her. The magistrate asked for clarification," Ms Cockley said. "Petitioner testified that, as an example on the same occasion that respondent was breaking her things, and as she reported to the police, she was in the bathroom trying to get out. Respondent would not let her out. He was pinning her in the bathroom, screaming in her face, calling her names, and would not let her move. Petitioner called law enforcement. Respondent got mad, 'freaked out,' cussed at her, slammed the door and left."

At the full hearing Mr Blair confessed to having problems controlling his anger and admitted to sending aggressive Facebook messages.

"The facts set forth at the full hearing indicate that respondent [Mr Blair] gets angry. Respondent's getting angry does not constitute domestic violence. Respondent's smashing his wife's table and lamp, with no evidence that he was threatening petitioner at the time, is at best financial misconduct and at worst criminal damaging of property," Ms Cockley said.

"Harassing Facebook messages do not constitute domestic violence. While I will discuss the Facebook messages further, petitioner herself characterized them as harassing, calling her names and saying hurtful things. She at no point characterizes them as threatening."