Becker County (TRF News) – Domestic Assault & Strangulation Charges Dropped Against Detroit Lakes Man
A Detroit Lakes man who was accused of strangling his fiancée and assaulting another man has had all felony and misdemeanor charges dismissed, according to Becker County court records.
On February 4, 2025, the Becker County Attorney’s Office dismissed the charges against David Arthur Gillespie, 52, stating they could not meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Allegations That Led to the Charges
Court records show that on September 26, 2024, officers responded to a domestic violence call at a Detroit Lakes apartment.
According to the criminal complaint:
- The woman, identified as Gillespie’s fiancée, said the argument started when Gillespie hit her dog too hard.
- Gillespie then allegedly grabbed her arms, pushed her onto a bed, and strangled her with both hands.
- Officers observed red marks on her throat and arms.
A male witness in the apartment reported that:
- He heard the argument and rushed in when it sounded like the woman could not breathe.
- He allegedly saw Gillespie strangling the woman with both hands.
- When he tried to intervene, Gillespie turned on him, shoved him into a doorway, and put his hands around his throat before leaving.
Officers later found Gillespie outside the apartment kicking the woman’s door, but he refused to discuss the incident.
Why the Charges Were Dropped
Despite the allegations and witness statements, prosecutors dismissed the case, citing:
“The State is unable to meet its burden of proving each element of the charged crime beyond a reasonable doubt at this time.”
This means there was not enough clear evidence to move forward with prosecution.
With the case dismissed, Gillespie is no longer facing criminal charges related to this incident.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News