The child custody fight between US Senate candidate Sean Parnell and his estranged wife went to court in Butler County Monday, in a session open to the media.
Laurie Snell alleges her husband had fits of rage and became physically abusive with two of their children.
She said under oath during two hours of testimony she decided to end the relationship with Parnell in 2018 when, in her words, "he started hitting the kids."
Snell wants primary custody of their three children between 8 and 12 years old.
Parnell testifies next week.
He released a statement yesterday saying he has "never raised a hand in anger" to his wife or children.
The trial will continue next week on the 8th and 9th.
The former Army Ranger is seeking the Republican nomination for Pat Toomey's open Senate seat in 2022.
