Photo: Their Relationship Caused Scandal, Now Los Angeles Councilwoman Arrested for Beating Up Ex-Lover
The scandalous love affair that sparked controversy among the Los Angeles City Council has clearly come to an end by way of a restraining orders.
Councilwoman Maribel De La Torre, 41, has been charged with misdemeanor battery and vandalism for allegedly attacking ex lover, former Councilman Mario Hernandez.
Hernandez, who is married but separated, stepped down as councilman last week and, shortly after, filed for a restraining order against De La Torre.
Two days later, it was De La Torre who was seeking the restraining order against Hernandez.
Each gave police their conflicting stories, but both agree the altercation occurred at Hernandez’s home on June 28.
Hernandez claims he and De La Torre were arguing about a trip he was going on and an iPad she had given him that she wanted back. He told police his former lover pushed her way into the house and slapped and punched him before heading into the bedroom where she threw clothes and a laptop on the floor and smashed a glass frame, allegedly screaming, “If I could kill you right now, I would. I f*cking hate you!” He told police she also strangled him and he suffered swollen, red cheeks, scratches, and a bruised thumb.
The same week Hernandez filed for a restraining order, De La Torre filed for one, saying Hernandez had slammed the door on her shoulder, pushed her down on the bed, and slammed her onto a hardwood floor when she attempted to get up. She claims she had gone into the bedroom looking for an iPad they were arguing over. De La Torre also told police she blacked out after being slammed to the floor.
This is definitely a case of Latin Lovin’ gone wrong, and it’s happening at a particularly trying time, as the council was preparing to vote to certify recall petitions submitted by the L.A. County clerk against Hernandez, De La Torre, and Mayor Brenda Esqueda.
