Williamson DA Recuses Herself From Predator's DV Prosecution

FRANKLIN, TN -- Williamson County's top prosecutor, who is married to a top Nashville Predators official, will not handle Preds forward Austin Watson's domestic violence case.

Kim Helper, whose husband is Predators senior vice-president Gerry Helper, told The Tennessean she asked to be removed from the case June 19. Watson's initial court appearance was scheduled for June 28, but was postponed to July 24.

Rutherford County Assistant District Attorney Sarah Davis will now handle the case.

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Franklin Police arrested Watson for domestic assault June 16 at a Shell station on Murfreesboro Road.

A passerby flagged down a Franklin Police officer, who wrote that when he arrived he saw a woman - later confirmed to be Watson's girlfriend and the mother of his child - cowering away from being shoved. The officer said that Watson and the woman were arguing about her drinking and being unable to attend a wedding, according to the arrest report, and Watson allegedly admitted to pushing her. The officer said there were red marks on her chest.

The Predators issued the following statement after the arrest:

"We are aware of the incident involving Austin Watson on Saturday night. We are still gathering facts and it is not appropriate for us to comment further at this time, but this is a matter that we are taking very seriously and will cooperate fully with the investigation by law enforcement. The Nashville Predators have and will continue to stand side by side with AMEND in the fight to end violence against women."

Watson, along with teammates Ryan Ellis, Mike Fisher and P.K. Subban, featured in the "Unsilence The Violence" public-awareness campaign that seeks to engage men in an effort to end domestic violence. The Nashville Predators Foundation made a $500,000 donation to the campaign run by the YWCA.

Watson, a Michigan native, had a career-high 14 goals in the 2017-18 season and added eight points in the playoffs.

Photo via Franklin Police