CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (April 6, 2026) — A domestic dispute between two sisters escalated into a violent confrontation Sunday evening, leaving one woman hospitalized with a facial injury and both facing criminal charges, according to the Chillicothe Police Department.
Officers were dispatched to a home on Laurel Street for a reported stabbing. Upon arrival, they found Stephanie Poole in the front yard suffering from a severe cut to her lip and bleeding heavily. Emergency crews transported her to Adena Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Inside the residence, officers located Kari Poole, who complied with commands and was taken into custody without incident.
Altercation Turned Violent
According to police, the incident began as an argument over a wallet, with accusations of theft quickly escalating into a physical fight.
Witness Marianne Poole, who was present during the altercation, told officers the two women were arguing face-to-face before Stephanie allegedly struck Kari. The fight intensified when Stephanie reportedly broke a glass jar over Kari’s head.
Investigators say Kari then grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed Stephanie in the face.
Kari told officers she acted in self-defense, claiming Stephanie punched her, broke the jar over her head, and held glass to her throat. Officers noted Kari had visible injuries, including marks on her neck and chest, a torn shirt, and a small wound on her leg.
Charges Filed
Following the investigation, police determined the incident to be a mutual fight.
- Kari Poole was charged with felonious assault and transported to the Ross County Jail
- Stephanie Poole was later arrested at the hospital and charged with domestic violence
Both were booked into jail and are expected to appear in court.
Police collected evidence from the scene, including the knife used in the incident, and documented broken glass and signs of a struggle inside the home.
The case remains under investigation.
