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New York city police officer Anthony Battisti was acquitted yesterday of orchestrating the 2009 attempted murder of his ex-wife, Patricia Battisti. Prosecutors contend that Battisti offered Timothy Gersbeck $5,000 to get rid of his former wife because he was tired of paying child support and wanted sole custody of their children.

Gersbeck, an acquaintance who did odd jobs for the officer, admitted attacking Patricia Battisti with a screwdriver outside her Franklin Square home last January. The victim’s son and boyfriend came to her aid before he could complete the act. Gersbeck pleaded guilty and agreed to testify in exchange for a lighter sentence. He told the court that Battisti “hired” him and suggested using either a shotgun or a screwdriver to commit the crime.


Timothy Gersbeck and Anthony Battisti



Gersbeck’s testimony wasn’t enough to convince the jury of Battisti’s guilt. After deliberating for five hours, the jury found Battisti not guilty of all charges: first-degree attempted murder, second-degree assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. A juror told reporters that the jury felt there was not enough evidence to convict Battisti. The victim, who has moved out of state, believes her ex is guilty.

Battisti is a free man now, but has been suspended from the police department pending an investigation. Gersbeck was sentenced to a minimum of 8 years in prison.