CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A 34-year-old man who allegedly punched, kicked, strangled and body slammed his his fiancé at a St. Thomas hotel was arrested on a assault charge, authorities said.
John Michael Purcell was arrested Saturday and charged with second-degree assault, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
Detectives were notified of an assault at the Club Wyndham Elysian Beach Resort in Estate Nazareth at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, according to the VIPD.
Detectives met with an adult female who reported that on Thursday, January 19, 2023, she was punched and kicked multiple times by her fiancé, John Michael Purcell, police said.
“She further stated that on Saturday, January 21, 2023, she told Mr. Purcell to leave her hotel room, however, due to her request he then strangled her multiple times following each strangulation with a body slam,” VIPD Communications Director Glen Dratte said. “Investigation revealed that the victim sustained multiple bruises about the body, a small laceration to her nose bridge and had difficulty swallowing.”
But the victim refused medical attention, according to Dratte.
No bail was set for Purcell in keeping with the territory’s domestic violence laws. He was remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections pending an advice-of-rights hearing.
Any persons having information regarding this incident are asked to contact 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211 ext. 5576/5572, Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1-800-222-8477, the Chief’s Office at 340-715-5548 or the Commissioner’s Office at 340-715-5506.