Pregnant Woman Victim of Neighbor's Stun Gun Attack, Motive Unclear Say Cops

WASHINGTON (CBS/WJZ) Police say New Zealand medical student Christine Devaux, 38, crept into neighbor Lynae Mattson's home in Gaithersburg, Md. Friday afternoon, and proceeded to assault and taser the woman, who was 35 weeks pregnant.

Once inside the residence, Devaux - dressed in gloves and surgical cap - beat Mattson with a stun gun, shocking her repeatedly as she lay on the floor, stated an arrest affidavit obtained by the Washington Post.

Though Mattson suffered induced labor and minor injuries from the alleged altercation, both mother and unborn child are in stable condition. 

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. "This is a bizarre case. The facts are highly unusual," explained Captain Paul Sparks to CBS Affiliate WJZ. "This is still an active investigation and we don't want to speculate on that right now," Sparks continued.

Devaux, reportedly the girlfriend of the victim's father-in-law, told Mattson, "I never wanted it to come to this," while barricading the front door, according to the affidavit.  A battered Mattson yanked on Devaux's tresses, and escaped the 30-minute assault, say police. She then found refuge at a neighbor's house and called Montgomery County police, who arrested Devaux.

Devaux is in custody without bond until a hearing on Monday. She is charged with attempted murder, burglary, assault, false imprisonment and weapons possession.