From Indiatimes · TOI World Desk · · 3m
Florida husband seeks Ferrari after estranged wife's unannounced visit
Florida appeals court upholds wife's protection order despite husband's unannounced Ferrari inquiry.
In brief
Florida appeals court upholds wife's protection order despite husband's unannounced Ferrari inquiry. Florida appeals court upheld domestic violence protection order for wife after husband's unannounced visit to ask about his Ferrari, citing three prior incidents of physical violence. Originally reported by Indiatimes.
Florida appeals court upholds protection order
Florida appeals court upheld domestic violence protection order for Cara Siciliano after husband's unannounced visit to ask about his Ferrari.
Husband's unannounced visit to wife's condo
Gerald Buchheit visited Cara Siciliano's condo in Fort Myers, Florida, without warning in December 2024 to ask about his Ferrari.
Video of visit shows no threats
The 62-second video showed Buchheit calmly asking where his Ferrari was while Siciliano stood in the living room.
Three prior incidents of violence
Siciliano described three incidents where Buchheit allegedly physically assaulted her between 2016 and 2023.
2023 bedroom door incident
In January 2023, Buchheit slammed Siciliano into a bedroom door, splitting it in half after her breast cancer surgery.
2020 choking incident
In March 2020, Buchheit choked Siciliano while drunk, attacked her and smashed her phone, leaving bruises on her arm.
2022 Mar-a-Lago assault
In February 2022, Buchheit punched Siciliano repeatedly in the back at Mar-a-Lago.
Husband denies violence
Buchheit denied all allegations, claiming the wine glass cut Siciliano's leg accidentally and the bruises were from self-defense.
Court considers prior violence
The appeals court found the three prior incidents sufficient grounds for the protection order under Florida law.
Florida law allows historical violence
Florida law permits courts to consider domestic violence incidents dating back to the present for protection orders.
Husband's drinking worsened
Siciliano said Buchheit's drinking increased after a plane crash in early 2024, linking alcohol to his violence.
Court upholds order despite video
The court upheld the protection order because the video alone did not show domestic violence but earlier incidents did.
Husband challenged order
Buchheit challenged the protection order, arguing the incidents were too old to justify a new order.
Court rejected late challenge
The appeals court said Buchheit raised the issue too late and could not challenge it after the trial court issued its decision.
Wife's fear of future violence
Siciliano feared further violence due to Buchheit's unannounced visit and increased drinking after the plane crash.
Protection order remains in effect
The protection order remains in effect for Siciliano despite Buchheit's unannounced visit to ask about his Ferrari.
What to remember
Florida appeals court upheld domestic violence protection order for wife after husband's unannounced visit to ask about his Ferrari, citing three prior incidents of physical violence.
