WEST CHESTER — A Chester County Common Pleas Court jury convicted Curtis Thomas Jr., 31, of Coatesville, of strangulation and simple assault after he attacked his former 16-year-old girlfriend at his home in Valley Township on Sept. 11, 2019.
The two had an argument and Thomas choked the victim with his hands around her neck until she lost consciousness, according to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
Thomas later struck the victim several times causing lacerations and bruising to her face, neck, and chest, District Attorney Deb Ryan said. This happened in front of many eyewitnesses who watched and did nothing to help the victim, Ryan added.
“Domestic violence will never be tolerated,” Ryan said. “The horrific actions of the defendant against a teenage victim and his attempt to control, hurt, and demean her in front of others is something that no one should be subjected to. It takes great courage to come forward against an abuser. It also takes immense cowardice to stand by and let it happen. We expect better, especially for the protection of our youth.”
The Chester County Detectives and Valley Township Police Department investigated. Assistant District Attorneys Zachary Yurick and Innessa Daniels were the assigned prosecutors.
If you feel unsafe around someone you love, contact the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County’s 24/7 hotline at 888-711-6270 or 610-431-1430. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
