$28.6 million Awarded to Wife For Beating From Husband, a Former White House Counsel

John Michael Farren served during George W. Bush's presidency

After five and a half days of hearing from multiple witnesses and viewing dramatic photos and videos, a Stamford, Conn., jury of six awarded Mary Margaret Farren $28.6 million.

Farren filed a civil suit against her ex-husband, John Michael Farren—a deputy White House counsel under George W. Bush—seeking damages in the millions for a brutal bludgeoning she endured at their New Canaan mansion nearly four years ago.

On Jan. 4, 2010, Mary Farren, 47, herself an accomplished attorney and once a rising star at prestigious Skadden Arps in Washington, D.C., served John Farren, 60, with divorce papers.