Woman admits to biting off ear at New Year's party

A northern Minnesota woman has admitted that she bit off the ear of another woman at a 2009 New Year's Day party, leading to numerous reattachment surgeries for the victim.

Joelyn R. Hart, 24, pleaded guilty in federal court in St. Paul Thursday to assault resulting in serious bodily injury in the attack on Shena Martin, 29, in a residential garage on the Red Lake Indian Reservation.

In her plea agreement, Hart said she intended to "torture, maim and disfigure" Martin, according to the U.S. attorney's office. At the same time, Hart offered no reason for wanting to do so.

During the incident at the party ushering in 2009, Hart also bit the woman's nose.

The victim required five reconstructive surgeries to reattach her ear, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

Hart faces up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled.

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