Moorhead Woman Faces 4 Charges in Hammer Assault

Moorhead (trfnews.i234.me) — A Moorhead woman faces four assault charges following an alleged attack on a relative.

Vanisha Nishell Jemison, 37, faces three felony assault charges and one misdemeanor domestic assault charge.

Prosecutors allege the victim was punched and struck with a hammer and mobility walker.

The victim was later diagnosed with a concussion, according to the criminal complaint.

Dispute Allegedly Turns Violent

Police learned about the alleged assault after responding to a delayed medical emergency in Moorhead.

The victim lived with Jemison and another cousin, according to court records.

A witness said Jemison became upset during a disagreement involving a cellphone.

Jemison allegedly grabbed the victim by her hair and punched her several times.

The witness said Jemison then asked for a hammer.

Prosecutors allege Jemison used the hammer to strike the victim in the face.

The victim told investigators she was also struck in the side with a mobility assistance walker.

The witness reported heavy bleeding after the alleged attack.

The witness said the victim did not fight back or act aggressively.

The complaint says the victim’s condition became worse during the following hours.

She reportedly experienced headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and trouble communicating.

A 911 call was made about 24 hours after the alleged assault.

An ambulance transported the victim to a hospital for treatment.

Medical staff diagnosed her with a concussion, according to the complaint.

The victim also reported repeated headaches and long periods of sleep after the incident.

She told investigators this was not the first alleged assault involving Jemison.

Jemison faces two counts of second-degree assault involving a dangerous weapon.

One count alleges substantial bodily harm and carries up to 10 years in prison.

The other second-degree assault charge carries up to seven years.

Jemison also faces felony third-degree assault and misdemeanor domestic assault.

The complaint contains conflicting dates concerning when the alleged assault occurred.

The charging counts list March 12, 2026.

The probable cause section describes a May 13 response to an assault reportedly occurring the previous day.

The case is filed as Clay County court file 14-CR-26-1715.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 609.222 for second-degree assault.

More court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.

Jemison is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.