No show defendant prompts judge to side with plaintiff in lovers quarrel

In October 2007, the Southeast Texas Record reported that Dawn Gaudet sued her former domestic partner, Camille Rocha, who threatened to blow her away with a shotgun.

On Monday, Sept. 12 Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, granted Gaudet's motion for summary judgment, ordering Rocha to pay $2,265 in attorney's fees.

Court records show that Gaudet and Rocha were in a "domestic relationship" for 26 years and had lived together until July 2007. During their relationship, the couple agreed to contractually share domestic responsibilities and purchased a Beaumont home together.

Sometime in October 2007, Rocha attempted to enter the home but Gaudet had locked her out. Rocha began kicking in the door but failed to enter because Gaudet had barricaded the entrance. Rocha then allegedly told Gaudet she was going to "obtain a shotgun," break down the door and return home.

Following that incident, Gaudet obtained a temporary restraining order against Rocha. The parties mediated their differences in 2008, court records show.

However, Rocha did not honor the agreement by failing to pay Gaudet's court costs, forcing her to amend her petition on May 27 to assert breach of contract.

On July 7 Gaudet filed her motion for summary judgment, court records show.

A court official told the Record that Rocha did not appear for the hearing.

Beaumont attorney Susan Oliver represents Gaudet.

Case No. D180-683