Police: Rockford man strangles woman unconscious, threatens to kill her

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Police arrested Matthew Whitesel, 50, for allegedly strangling and attacking a woman.

On November 6, around 7 a.m., officers were called to the 2300 block of Rockwell for a domestic incident. The victim told authorities she was hit in the face and strangled.

The suspect strangled her with both hands and told the victim he was going to kill her, according to court records. The woman told police Whitesel threw her on the ground by her leg as well.

The victim sustained bruising on her leg and red marks on her neck. A witness heard the victim screaming and her being slammed, according to court documents.

Whitsel is charged with aggravated domestic battery causing strangulation.

If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, visit our Stateline Strong page for resources.