Crime Scene TapeA West Branch man is accused of beating a 35-year-old woman who is now in critical condition in an Iowa City hospital.

On Monday morning, West Branch police were called to the home of 39-year-old Mike Kelley. They found a severely beaten woman in the bedroom. Authorities in West Branch and Cedar County asked state officials to join the investigation, due to the severity of the woman’s injuries.

Kelley has been charged with domestic abuse assault, but authorities have not revealed his relationship to the victim. Kelley is also charged with a felony count of willful injury causing serious injury.