Man Murders Estranged Wife's Boyfriend

Women's Resource Center makes a point of saying that domestic violence affects everyone, and friends and families members of victims are often caught in the cross hairs.

After forcing entry into his mother-in-law’s Bowdon home Friday, Duane Clough allegedly assaulted his mother-in-law and his wife, and killed a man who was in the residence.

Clough, 43, of Graham, Ala., and his wife, Michelle Clough, 33, had reportedly separated several months ago after 15 years of marriage.

The male victim, Christopher Watkins, 34, of Buchanan, was believed to have been Michelle Clough’s boyfriend.

Police responded to a 911 call for help around 6:50 a.m. from Michelle Clough’s mother, Mary Thomas, 62, after Duane Clough kicked in the door of her home and severely beat her.

Thomas was able to make the emergency phone call while Duane Clough had moved on to attack the others in the home, according to police reports. However, the call was cut short when Duane Clough attacked Thomas again, this time with a knife.

“There were no weapons seen when he entered the residence. He apparently used weapons of opportunity,” Sheriff’s Office Capt. Shane Taylor said.

Though investigators said they could not divulge details about the case, Taylor did confirm that one of the primary weapons used was a kitchen knife.

After Duane Clough had already killed Watkins, assaulted Michelle Clough and assaulted Thomas a second time, Thomas reportedly pretended to be unconscious or dead until her son-in-law left her home, according to Carroll County Sheriff Terry Langley.

“It appears that he assaulted each of the victims with the intent to cause serious harm or death,” Taylor said. “It doesn’t seem that he showed hardly any restraint.”

Also of note is the fact that Duane Clough was suicidal and Michelle Clough had attempted to end the relationship.

Though Duane Clough’s criminal history is not yet known, according to a Randolph County incident report, he had attempted suicide between one and two months ago. During the attempted suicide, he shot himself and was airlifted to Columbus, Ala., where he received medical treatment, the report said.

While he was in the hospital, Michelle Clough moved back into their Graham, Ala. home. Duane Clough then returned to the house after being released from the hospital less than two weeks ago.

Michelle Clough reportedly left the Alabama residence to stay with her mother in Bowdon two days ago, according to Taylor.

Duane Clough was charged with murder, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated battery and burglary.

Threats of suicide are a major indicator of lethal danger and immediately after leaving is one of the most dangerous times for a victim of domestic violence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.