This isn't domestic violence, but it is violence.

NASA Astronaut Lisa Nowak Avoids Attempted Murder Charge

March 2, 2007 1:45 p.m. EST


Julie Farby - All Headline News Staff Writer

Orlando, FL (AHN)-NASA astronaut Lisa Marie Nowak, who allegedly made a nearly 1,000-mile trek to confront a woman she saw as a rival for another astronaut's affections, will not face attempted-murder charges, Florida prosecutors said on Friday.

Instead, the 43-year-old Navy captain and mother of three will be charged with burglary with a weapon, attempted kidnapping with intent to inflect bodily harm, and battery.

The charges stem from a February 5 incident in which Nowak traveled some 900 miles from Texas to Orlando to confront fellow astronaut Colleen Shipman, whom Nowak believed was romantically involved with Navy Cmdr. William Oefelein, a pilot during space shuttle Discovery's trip to the space station last December and the object of Nowak's obsession.

Nowak reportedly confronted Shipman in the airport parking lot, wearing a wig and trench coat, and carrying with her an array of potential weapons. When Shipman refused let Nowak in her car, Nowak allegedly sprayed a chemical into the car. After the confrontation, Shipman managed to drive to a parking lot booth for help.

Nowak, who was placed on a leave of absence by NASA, returned to Houston after posting a $25,500 bail. She was also fitted with a satellite tracking device on her ankle, and it remains unclear whether she will return to Florida for the case.

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There are men who have been convicted of attempted murder.