Charges dropped in elderly assault case Charges dropped in elderly assault case (October 22, 2004)

A judge dismissed the charges against Betty Galin, 76, Monday after she reached a settlement with former neighbor Al Stuetzle, 85.

The two lived near each other in the Sahara Village mobile home park in Mountain View when a violent feud erupted between them. Galin, who allegedly threw a flashlight that struck Stuetzle in the head, slashed his tires and spray-painted "killer" on the side of his home, has sold her home and left the park.

"It's an issue between neighbors," said deputy district attorney Chris Kwok, citing the age of the parties involved as a reason to allow it to be settled out of court.

Stuetzle said he was surprised that no trial took place but said his main desire was that Galin leave the park. He still has a restraining order that prevents her from coming within 150 feet of him.

"It looked like the only way to put an end to it was for her to leave the park," said Stuetzle.

If convicted, Galin would have faced six months in prison or a $2,000 fine.

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