BALTIMORE (Map, News) - An elderly woman was in serious but stable condition Tuesday afternoon after her husband allegedly beat her with a hammer at their Columbia house, Howard police said.

Calvin Payne, 83, had blood on his clothes and hands when police arrived Monday at the house in the 6200 block of Satinwood Drive.

A bloody hammer was found in the bedroom, police said.

Payne was charged Tuesday morning with attempted murder and assault.

His wife of more than 50 years, Alma Payne, 81, called police about 7:50 p.m. to report the attack, police said.

She was flown to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore City.

“She is a beautiful woman, even at her age, but she is probably going to lose her right eye,” said her youngest brother, Ronald Figueroa, 73, of Brooklyn, N.Y.

“And she’s covered in stitches and staples from piecing her head back together.

“And all her fingers are broken on both hands.”

Family members said the marriage was strained because of Calvin Payne’s verbal abuse and his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

“He has a sickness,” Figueroa said.

“He just slipped and used that hammer on her, I guess, because it was the nearest thing he could find.”

Figueroa said his sister had left her husband, but no court record indicates she reported any physical abuse.

Alma Payne stayed with family in Brooklyn but returned two years ago in hopes of salvaging the marriage, Figueroa said.

“He begged her back and called her every day,” Figueroa said.

“He was getting medical attention, and they were going to therapy and seeing a psychiatrist.” 

Domestic violence often begins with verbal abuse and escalates, said Jodi Finkelstein, executive director of nonprofit Overlook Domestic Violence Center in Columbia.

Most victims the center helps are between the ages of 22 and 36, but domestic violence permeates all age groups, she said.

“It’s hard for any woman to come forth and say they’re a victim of domestic violence,” Finkelstein said.

“And I would think that a woman who may have been in abusive relationship for 50 years, especially at her age, may be even more resistant to come forward.”

Alma Payne was an active member of the New Psalmist Church in Baltimore City and taught a class for new members, said church spokeswoman Joi Thomas.

“We’re just praying for her and her speedy recovery,” Thomas said.

Alma and Calvin Payne have one son, Cedric Payne, 43, who is an Air Force pilot.

cpeirce@baltimoreexaminer.com