Festus, MO – A Festus man has been charged with two counts of second-degree domestic assault following an alleged violent incident involving his spouse on July 14, according to the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

John Hawkins, age 31, of Festus is accused of knowingly causing physical injury to the victim, his spouse, during a domestic altercation at their shared residence. According to court documents, the victim reported that Hawkins shoved her against a wall, struck her in the head, held her on the ground, and grabbed her by the throat, cutting off her airway to the point she could not breathe.

The victim sought medical treatment the following day at Total Access Urgent Care, where she reported a concussion and multiple contusions on her arms, legs, and torso. She also described pain in her left hand that required her to wear a brace for about a week. Authorities confirmed observing visible injuries consistent with the victim’s account.

Hawkins is charged with a class D felony, for both the alleged physical assault and strangulation. Each charge carries the potential for significant prison time if convicted.

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Paul Barnard is the editor of the Twin City News. Barnard Graduated from Norwich University, America's oldest private military college, with a B.S. in Communications and Media Technology. There he studied journalism and marketing. For years after, Barnard was in law enforcement and gained experience in the Special Investigations Unit and publishing all the department's press releases. As Barnard's family grew, he moved on to start Twin City News.

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