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Woman viciously attacked inside home: ‘I hoped he thought I was dead'

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — A New Castle woman who was attacked inside her home earlier this month by a man with a baseball bat faced the suspect in court on Wednesday.

Sylvia Leishman told Channel 11's Amy Marcinkiewicz she is battered and bruised, but found the courage to face 24-year-old Mike Yesko in court.

“I am one tough old bird,” Leishman, 71, said.

According to police, Yesko went to Leishman’s County Line Street home on May 4 and asked for $10.

The Leishmans refused Yesko’s request and he left. A short time later, Leishman’s husband took his dogs for a walk, and when he returned, he found his wife covered in blood.

Investigators said Yesko, who the Leishmans had helped before, is accused of coming back to the home and asking to use the restroom.

After that, Sylvia Leishman said Yesko asked for a glass of water. As she was getting him the water, she said she felt a hit on the back of her head.

“I held my breath, closed my eyes and hoped he thought I was dead,” Sylvia Leishman said.

Detectives said Yesko is accused of beating the woman with a baseball bat several times.

Wednesday’s hearing was continued because the defense wants to get a mental health evaluation for Yesko, which could take up to 30 days.

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