Mom, daughters, arrested in broomstick attack

St. Petersburg, Florida-- A long-standing feud ended in the arrests Wednesday of a mother and her two daughters who attacked another woman with fists, a broom handle and knives, deputies said.

The incident occurred at the apartment of the victim, Monica Simpson, 45, of 4346 37th Avenue North.

Deputies said Shirley Ross, 48, and daughters Tessa, 28, and Krystal, 23, forced their way into Simpson's home and beat her with their fists and a broom handle. Two of them had knives.

The suspects left two children in their care - boys ages 6 and 9 - waiting in their car during the attack, and drove away afterwards.

Deputies broadcast a description of the car which was stopped with the help of St. Petersburg Police at Dartmouth and 34th Street.

Simpson was treated for her injuries at the scene. She and Shirley Ross had lived together at one point, deputies said.

Investigators say the attack apparently stems from a several month long feud between the two. The nature of the feud was not disclosed.

Shirley Ross was charged with burglary-battery, armed burglary and aggravated assault with a knife. Tessa Ross was charged with armed burglary, burglary-battery, aggravated battery with a broomstick, and aggravated assault with a knife. Krystal Ross was charged with burglary-battery and accessory to armed burglary.

All three women have prior arrests, according to jail records.

Deputies said a fourth suspect is being sought.