The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Man charged with abuse after choking wife

A local man has been charged with domestic abuse after allegedly assaulting his wife.

Keith Oppelt, 24, was charged on July 26 with domestic-abuse assault.

According to an Iowa City police complaint, the woman told police that she and Oppelt had argued throughout the day.

Oppelt reportedly threw a stick of deodorant at the woman, who then reciprocated by throwing a small towel back at him. Oppelt then allegedly placed his hands around her neck, the complaint said. She told officers that Oppelt had placed one hand on her throat and the other behind her neck. Oppelt allegedly told the woman he was going to kill her while choking her. He later reportedly admitted to officers that he said this during the fight.

The woman said her breathing was impeded for roughly eight seconds.

The couple’s children — a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old — were present at the time of the assault, the complaint said.

Domestic abuse assault impeding flow of air/blood is an aggravated misdemeanor.

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