LEBANON — A Clifton businessman who claimed that he threw objects at his wife's lover because he thought the man was a vampire was acquitted Thursday of assault and domestic violence charges.

        A Warren County Court jury deliberated for 11 hours over two days before finding David R. Biren not guilty of the misdemeanor charges.

        Mr. Biren, 52, was charged Oct. 21 after Charles “Shadow” Perkins was struck by several items including a large drum and a box of machetes. They came from a loft in a shop Mr. Biren and his estranged wife, Kimberly, operated at the Renaissance Festival in Waynesville.

        The Birens, who are divorcing, owned Raphael medieval weaponry shop on Ludlow Avenue.

        Mrs. Biren also was bombarded when she ran to Mr. Perkins' aid, but Mr. Biren claimed she was hit by mistake.

        Mr. Biren testified during the three-day trial that he threw the items, many of them Mr. Perkins' belongings, from the loft in self-defense to keep Mr. Perkins from climbing the stairs and attacking him.

        He said he initially began throwing the items in a tirade after discovering that Mr. Perkins had been sleeping in the loft even though his wife had signed an agreement to end their relationship.

        Mr. Biren had planned to tell jurors that his use of force was necessary because Mr. Perkins was a vampire. Mr. Biren also claimed his wife was a vampire.

        Judge James Heath barred him from mentioning his suspicions at trial. Mr. Perkins claims to be a pagan, according to his Web site.

Both sides wary of profiling settlement
Felons need not apply for break on charges from riots
It's getting drizzlier
Arbitrator: No sex-based pay bias for UC faculty
School explosion injures two Cinergy employees
Accused priest served in N.Ky.
City Council approves $268,000 in new spending
Crowding disrupts surgeries
Disease can't stop tenacious graduate
Flag Day celebration to light up park
Leaders, parents fight for embattled school
Mayfield may open clinic in Norwood
Obituary: Micki N. White, 53, pathfinder for policewomen
Tristate A.M. Report
BRONSON: Gay subculture
SMITH AMOS: Abuse by priests
WELLS: Clearing the records
Jury believes husband's act was defensive
Man accused of sex with girls
Reporter knows danger of war zone
Students say goodbye to school
Ohio faces crunch in highway funds
Voinovich tunes out pop star
Actions taped; woman indicted
Barlow declines to concede vote
Charge dropped in bleach case
Fire fund created to help businesses
Old school will teach history
State to fund teacher raises
Three killed in crash on I-75