47-year-old man charged in severe beating of Vega Daigle

MILWAUKEE -- 47-year-old Benjy Harris of Milwaukee has been charged with first degree reckless injury in the case of a woman beaten in the head and left for dead.

47-year-old Vega Daigle was found in the 2500 block of N. Teutonia Ave. by officers responding to a battery call. According to a criminal complaint in the case, Daigle was semi-conscious and had visible head injuries. Daigle was unable to communicate and was taken to Froedtert Hospital by ambulance.

A doctor determined Daigle had suffered a frontal brain injury and was not expected to ever be able to talk again.

The complaint indicates a witness told police he saw Daigle arguing with a man on August 16th. The witness reported seeing the man punch Daigle and stomp on Daigle's head after Daigle had fallen to the ground. 

Daigle's sister, Tia says Vega was a loving mother and outgoing family member, and her family want to remember her that way -- not as a woman beaten so badly she was temporarily blinded, and will have to relearn how to speak.

"I'm angry at the fact that someone would actually do this to her. I'm angry, I'm mad and I want some results from it," Daigle's sister said.

As Harris made an appearance in court on Tuesday, November 27th for his preliminary hearing, and was bound over for trial -- Daigle's family provided FOX6 News with an update on Daigle's condition.

"She fought hard. She's doing a lot better. Me and my family didn't expect her to make it. It's a miracle and a blessing," Daigle's family said.

Daigle's sister says Vera Daigle is able to see and walk, and though her speech is slurred, her family is able to understand her. Tia Daigle says Vera Daigle doesn't remember the attack, or who was responsible.

"The last thing she remembers was she was at some gas station and when she finally woke up she was at the hospital," Tia Daigle said.

Daigle's family says they recognize Harris. They say he showed up once outside their home, yelling Vega's name. 

Harris remains in custody on $10,000 cash bail. His next court appearance is set for December 11th.

If convicted, Harris faces a maximum of 25 years in prison and $100,000 in fines, or both.

Daigle's family says they want a guilty verdict, while at the same time, they're counting their blessings.

"She may not be 100%, but as long as we still have her, it's a blessing," Tia Daigle said.

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