Man bites off wife's lip in California after she complained of his short stature

A man accused of biting off his wife's bottom lip after she called him short has rejected a plea offer and will stand trial next month, prosecutors said.

Photo: Man bites off wife's lip in California after she complained of his short stature

Akano Nzerem, 54, of South San Francisco, is charged with felony counts of domestic violence, mayhem, false imprisonment, battery and making criminal threats.

Nzerem told police he was provoked by his wife attacking him first and calling him a short man, according to the district attorney's office.

Police said Nzerem shoved aside his 16-year-old daughter when she tried to intervene in the argument. He then allegedly grabbed his wife in a bear hug and bit off her lip.

Police recovered the lip from the floor but doctors were unable to reattach it. Nzerem's wife said authorities have exaggerated the extent of her injuries.

Nzerem also is facing misdemeanor charges of child endangerment and violating a court order, said Steve Wagstaffe, chief deputy district attorney for San Mateo County. Nzerem is free in lieu of $500,000 bail, and his trial is scheduled to begin in June.