Woman Kills Abusive Husband, Learns He Wore a Prosthetic: He Was Born a Woman

In 2003, a woman killed her abusive husband only to discover 'he' was a female wearing a prosthetic penis.

Elizabeth Rudavsky, 27, met Angelo Heddington, 30, in February 2002. She worked as a salesman and had visited the farm where Angelo worked. The pair hit it off and began a romantic relationship. Three months later, the Canadian couple wed. Within weeks, the love affair turned into one filled with anger, violence, and rage.

Angelo repeatedly beat Elizabeth with his fists and once with a metal pipe. He whipped her with a horse crop for not cooking dinner fast enough, when she 'did not act like a lady,' or if she didn't sit up straight. He even threatened her with guns. Angelo controlled what Elizabeth could eat; she lost about 80 pounds in seven months.

Elizabeth Fatally Stabs Angelo & Learns a Secret

Three months after their marriage, Angelo viciously attacked Elizabeth, leading her to fatally stab him. Paramedics attempted to stop the bleeding. As they examined Angelo's body, they discovered 'he' wore a prosthetic penis; Angelo was born a woman named Angela. 

Elizabeth said on the ID show Fatal Vows, "I never saw nothin'. Things were dark." Angelo always insisted on having sex in the dark and never took off his clothes in front of her.

Angelo told Elizabeth he was self-conscious after an ex had burned his genitals in a fit of anger. She loved Angelo and never judged or pressured him into turning on the lights.

On the night of the attack, Angelo and Elizabeth got into a heated argument, leading to an attack. Elizabeth tried to escape, and ran toward the front door, grabbing a 12" butcher knife on her way. Angelo continued toward her, cornering her at the door. She pleaded with him to no avail. As Angelo attempted to strike her again, Elizabeth stabbed him in the abdomen.

Elizabeth called 9–1–1 as Angelo lay bleeding on the floor. She blamed the injury on a burglar, telling authorities that someone had attempted to break into their home. Angelo, still conscious, screamed, "No! She stabbed me! My wife"

Elizabeth was arrested on second-degree murder charges after Angelo died at the hospital a short time later. She soon told authorities a horrifying tale of abuse, and how Angelo had attacked her, leaving little choice except to defend herself using the knife.

Charges Dismissed

Angelo's family told the police that he had lived as a male since age 14, about the same time he became violent and left home.

Police brought Dr. Paul G Jaffe to evaluate Elizabeth. He determined that she suffered from PTSD. An investigation revealed that Angelo had dated men and women and abused at least three other partners before Elizabeth. He had abused and starved one of his male lovers severely enough that the man lost 100 lbs.

The charges against Elizabeth were dismissed after a grand jury failed to return an indictment against her. The grand jury determined that Elizabeth had acted in self-defense when she stabbed Angelo.

Domestic Violence Help

If you or someone you know needs help getting out of an abusive relationship, call 1-800-799-7233 for free, confidential help 24/7. This number is for residents of the U.S.

In England, call the Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0808 2000 247

Sources:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2675768/

https://metro.co.uk/2012/12/06/elizabeth-rudavsky-killed-husband-angelo-heddington-then-found-out-he-was-a-she-3305204/

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