A Lancaster man was convicted Wednesday of felony strangulation for the attack on his girlfriend last summer on a city street.
Jose I. Velez, 45, will be sentenced, after a background investigation, regarding the June 11, 2018, incident in the 400 block of South Lime Street.
Assistant District Attorney Travis S. Anderson won the verdict, despite the victim being uncooperative with prosecutors and conflicting what she told police after the attack.
Anderson called to testify an eyewitness: A man working on the block who intervened after seeing Velez’s hands around the woman’s neck and the woman go “limp.”
When the eyewitness yelled to interrupt the attack, there was a short physical confrontation before Velez ran off.
The victim gave a written statement at the scene which was consistent with the eyewitness’ testimony. On the witness stand, however, she recanted that statement and attempted to offer a new version of events.
“It is not uncommon for victims of domestic abuse to attempt to protect the partner who abused them,” Anderson said outside of court. “This is why the decision to prosecute ultimately rests with the Commonwealth.”
Lancaster County President Judge Dennis Reinaker returned a guilty verdict Wednesday after hearing a morning of testimony. President Judge Reinaker will order sentence in about two months.
Lancaster city police Officer Daniel Davis filed charges.
The president judge found Velez not guilty to assault of the eyewitness who intervened.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright