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On Wednesday, federal authorities announced that Jeffrey Strange, 29, was found guilty of strangling his ex after a series of startling events in September 2023.
According to the government's evidence, at approximately 11 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2023, Strange began incessantly calling the woman to determine her whereabouts, before tracking her down the following morning at around 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 4.
Prosecutors say that Strange met the victim outside of their shared residence and began arguing with her until both entered the elevator of their apartment building, where an altercation ensued.
The woman was able to get out of the elevator and into the lobby of the building, they said, with Strange following her, continuing to hit her, breaking her glasses, and strangling her by putting his hand on her throat and squeezing.
The incident left visible injuries to the woman's lip and face.
Strange then fled the area when a security guard intervened and the woman called the police. Less than an hour later, Strange was back to the apartment, assaulted her again, and attempted to hide a gun in her bedroom closet.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department responded back to the building, where they recovered the weapon, and placed Strange under arrest.
The security guard provided surveillance video, that captured a portion of the assault including Strange strangling the victim. The government’s evidence also included DNA evidence linking Strange to the recovered firearm.
When he is sentenced, Strange will face a mandatory minimum minimum of three years for unlawfully possessing the firearm and up to 15 years. He will also face five additional years for strangulation.
No sentencing date has been set.
Officials made note that "this trial marks the first jury trial for felony strangulation since the DC Council passed the 'Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act of 2023,' designating strangulation as a felony offense."
"Strangulation is widely recognized as one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence," officials say, citing a study in San Diego that found 'many victims suffer internal injuries, including permanent brain damage.
"'Signs and symptoms do exist and can be documented even without visible injury.'"
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