Victim of attacker accused of strangulation: 'I couldn't breathe'

Hughesville, Pennsylvania – Thomas Will Donnelly, 31, of Muncy is charged with two counts of strangulation and other charges, according to a ruling by Judge Allen Page on Friday.

Page was charged with both counts, as well as simple assault and harassment, after Donnelly confronted his accuser in court. “I was afraid to call the police myself,” the victim told Assistant District Attorney Lindsey Sweeley during testimony in the courtroom.

The plaintiff claims Donnelly attacked her before strangling her, ripping out more than five earrings in the process. According to the witness, Donnelly was drunk the night of the incident. “He's an alcoholic who has a problem,” she said, looking directly at Donnelly.

Donnelly is said to have covered his mouth and nose during the incident. During the attack, he showed remorse and apologized several times to the victim while she coughed up blood. A colleague took the accuser to the hospital, where she met with police.

According to witnesses, a surveillance video from the house shows Donnelly attacking the victim.

Routing sheet

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