An Oskaloosa man is facing multiple felony charges following a series of alleged domestic abuse assaults that left the victim seriously injured, according to court documents filed in Mahaska County.
On November 30, the Oskaloosa Police Department investigated a domestic abuse assault involving Christopher Minter. According to court records, Minter became angry with the victim for leaving the residence. When the victim returned home, Minter allegedly grabbed her by the throat and began strangling her.
Documents state Minter eventually released the victim, who attempted to walk away. However, the victim reported that Minter came up behind her again. When she turned around, Minter allegedly grabbed her throat with both hands and squeezed. The victim told investigators that Minter did not let go until he noticed her eyes rolling back into her head.
Law enforcement was dispatched again on the evening of December 5 for another reported domestic abuse assault involving Minter. Court filings state Minter was engaged in a verbal argument with the victim when he suddenly lunged at her. The victim told officials she remembers very little after that point due to a possible loss of consciousness. When she regained awareness, she reported that Minter was holding her face under the kitchen faucet.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim was able to push Minter off and flee the residence. After leaving, she looked in her vehicle’s mirror and noticed her left eye was beginning to swell shut.
Court documents indicate that a few days later, the victim was examined by an eye doctor and was diagnosed with a deviated septum that required surgery. She also underwent a CT scan due to facial fractures.
Official records note that Minter and the victim share a child and had been living on and off together for several months prior to the incidents.
Minter was arrested on January 12 by the Ottumwa Police Department on a warrant out of Mahaska County. The arrest occurred in the 800 block of Finley Avenue in Ottumwa. He was transported to the Mahaska County Jail, where he remains in custody. No bond has been set.
A no-contact order was issued on January 14, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 21 at the Mahaska County Courthouse.
Minter is charged with Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury, a Class C felony, and Domestic Abuse Assault—third or subsequent offense, a Class D felony.
