25-year-old Blake Key was charged with domestic assault (minor child), child abuse (child under age 8), and reckless endangerment (minor child under age 8) after his ex-wife, current wife, and mother-in-law informed authorities of a volatile incident that took place at his Lebanon home.
On March 1st, Wilson County Sheriff’s Officer Benjamin Miller initiated an investigation into allegations against Blake Key. Blake’s ex-wife Jessica Swaffer offered a statement based on her conversation with Blake’s current wife Marissa. Marissa’s mother, Beth Vines, corroborated her statement and was present during the events. Marissa stated that Blake had become “extremely upset and verbally threatening toward her” at which point she became afraid for the safety of herself, her son and Jessica’s 4-year-old son. Blake is the father of both children. Marissa attempted to leave the home with both children but Blake would not allow her to remove his son.
According to affidavits, the child became upset and started crying, was told to “shut up” and was taken to the upstairs to be disciplined. Marissa tried to stop him, but was told by Blake “not to question his parenting.” Marissa was packing her vehicle to leave when Blake “tossed his son hard into his child safety seat” and told the boy “just F___king go with Marissa”.
Jessica testified that when she picked her son up, he was indeed upset and crying and she found bruising and scratch marks on his hand and face. Jessica stated she fears for his safety and that her son is afraid of his father and requested to not return to Blake’s house. Marissa was granted an ex parte order of protection.
Blake Key was arrested and charged with domestic assault (minor child), child abuse (child under age 8), and reckless endangerment (minor child under age 8). He was later released on his own recognizance.
