Magna man charged after allegedly strangling wife while he was holding their child

MAGNA, Utah (ABC4) — A Magna man is in jail after having been arrested and charged in a domestic violence incident where he allegedly choked his wife while he was holding their child.

The man, who ABC4 is not naming in order to protect the victims, was charged with aggravated assault with the domestic violence attribute and domestic violence in the presence of a child with injury/weapon/death, both third-degree felonies. He was also charged with assault with the domestic violence attribute and reckless driving, both class B misdemeanors.

According to charging documents, on October 6, 2025, the man’s wife called police to report a domestic violence incident. Allegedly, the two got into an argument, and during that argument, the suspect “repeatedly” grabbed her by the neck and threw her down to the ground.

The wife reported that he applied pressure to her neck, making it difficult for her to breathe. She also told police that the third time he threw her to the ground, he stomped on her stomach.

Throughout the incident, the man was allegedly holding their minor child.

Afterwards, he left their home in his vehicle, and police reportedly saw his vehicle leaving the neighborhood. Police followed him and reportedly that he was driving at high rates of speed, failing to stop at red lights, swerving in and out of lanes, and failing to use his turn signal. The officer was eventually able to perform a traffic stop.

Following the alleged assault, the victim reported coughing, neck pain, hyperventilation, and a headache. Investigators observed that she had redness on her face, neck, chest, and stomach, as well as bruising on her arm.

The victim also told police that her husband has previously tried to strangle her, is jealous and controlling of her activities, follows and spies on her, leaves her threatening messages, and causes her to worry for her safety.

According to court documents, he also has a criminal history, having been sentenced for sexual exploitation of a minor charges in 2021. He was still on probation at the time of this incident.

He is currently being held in jail without bail.