A man who gouged out his eyes while in Miami-Dade County jail has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for gouging his wife's eyes after he was released.
Eugene Roman gouged out his eyes while serving a 364-day sentence for beating his wife and police officers inside the couple's home in 2005. He was released early when his wife agreed to take him back.
Then in May 2006, when his wife refused his sexual advances, Roman dragged her by her hair and gouged her eyes, according to The Miami Herald. She was left blind in her right eye and partially blind in her left.
Roman told her “he was going to spare one of her eyes,” a police report from the wife's 911 call said. But when officers arrived at the house, Roman went after her other eye, Miami-Dade prosecutor Lody Jean told the judge Monday.
On Monday, Roman pleaded guilty Monday to aggravated battery and kidnapping charges for the 2006 attack. He was sentenced to 10 years probation.
Plea for forgiveness
The 50-year-old, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression, cried in court.
“I know I did something wrong,” he said, according to The Herald. “I was wrong. I regret it. I ask for forgiveness.”
His now estranged-wife, 48, told The Herald she wanted him kept away from her and her children.
“He’s said that before. He’s asked for forgiveness the same way — and he’s still harmed me.”
His wife wears a prosthetic right eye, The Herald reported. She was not identified by name.
“I’m trying to be strong because of my family, and for my children. I’m trying to be a role model for them,” she said.