Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Detroit Lakes man has been found not guilty in a felony domestic assault case.
Court records say Dejuan Lamar Howard, 32, was acquitted in Becker County District Court.
He faced a felony charge of domestic assault by strangulation.
He also faced a felony domestic assault charge.
What the complaint alleged
According to court records, officers responded to a domestic call on 170th Street near Detroit Lakes on June 16.
A woman told officers she had been with Howard and her children the night before.
She said they had gone fishing together.
She said Howard became angry after a fishing pole was left behind.
She told officers the children were scared by his behavior.
The complaint alleged the argument continued after they returned home.
Records say the woman reported that Howard grabbed her by the neck.
She reported being choked and said she nearly lost consciousness.
The woman told officers she was about two months pregnant at the time.
Records say the woman reported her necklace scraped her neck during the struggle.
Officers reported seeing a mark on her neck.
The complaint also referenced an adult witness in the home.
That witness reported being awakened by a commotion, records say.
The witness also reported seeing a mark on the woman’s neck, according to the complaint.
Jury verdict
Howard was not at the home when law enforcement arrived, court records say.
The case later went to trial in Becker County District Court.
On Dec. 10, a jury acquitted Howard on both counts.
What “acquitted” means
An acquittal is a not guilty verdict.
It means the jury did not find proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Charges are allegations and are not convictions.
Helpful resources
You can learn about Minnesota court records through the Minnesota Judicial Branch: Access Case Records.
You can read Minnesota law on domestic assault at Minnesota Statutes 609.2242.
You can read Minnesota law on domestic assault by strangulation at Minnesota Statutes 609.2247.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.