The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Montana man was arrested after police said he allegedly held his girlfriend captive inside her parents’ home for several days, repeatedly assaulting her, threatening her life, and abusing her cat.
According to investigators, the alleged abuse began after the woman’s parents left town and the couple remained alone at the residence. Police said the victim was prevented from leaving the home over a period of several days as the violence escalated.
During the ordeal, the man allegedly threw the woman to the ground multiple times, pulled her by the hair when she attempted to escape, and held her down for extended periods while striking her in the head. Deputies said he also called the victim’s employer to report that she would not be coming to work.
Police alleged the suspect threatened to kill the woman, her family, and her cat if she contacted law enforcement. Investigators said he also held a knife to her throat during one encounter.
The victim told officers the man allegedly cut her with a razor blade, stabbed her with a fork, and repeatedly strangled her until she struggled to breathe and feared for her life. According to investigators, he allegedly claimed she deserved the abuse as punishment.
Medical records reportedly showed the woman suffered a concussion along with bruising and other injuries to her face, arms, shoulders, legs, knees, and other parts of her body.
The investigation also found evidence of alleged animal abuse. Police said the suspect squeezed the victim’s cat before allegedly grabbing it by the throat and throwing it to the floor despite the woman’s pleas to stop.
The victim eventually escaped and contacted authorities. The suspect was arrested on June 16 and later pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including kidnapping, aggravated assault, domestic battery, strangulation of a household member, interference with a peace officer, and cruelty to animals.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.