Charge Upgraded For Man Accused Of Beating Wife, Biting Off Nipple

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – A Deerfield Beach man who is accused of beating his wife and biting off her nipple was back in court Friday to face an upgraded charge.

Robert Ruman, 55, appeared before a bond court judge in Fort Lauderdale on the upgraded attempted premeditated murder charge.

Another hearing is scheduled Friday afternoon where his attorney will be present.

Ruman was arrested in late July after a standoff with police for allegedly beating his wife, Judy. BSO said that Judy stated her husband had been acting "bizarre" throughout the day before the two were alone in the house.

Judy Ruman said that her husband, "completely lost control." According to BSO, the wife said Robert "began to beat her with his fists and even struck her on top of her head with the iron fireplace poker."

BSO said the beating stopped when Robert's pants fell off and Judy was able to escape and run across the street for help. Judy told BSO that Robert threatened to kill her and then himself because he didn't want a divorce.

Judy was hospitalized in intensive care for two days after the attack and she was left permanently disfigured.

Ruman remains in jail.