Hunter
04/10/20
An Iowa City man was taken into custody after a welfare check on a woman at his home discovered an alleged pattern of abuse.
According to police, the victim’s daughter called police and asked them to check on her mom, who was at the home of 38-year-old Derrill Jones of Clearwater Court.
Upon arrival at around 11:15pm Thursday, officers spoke with the woman, who allegedly told them she was fearful for her life. She said that Jones told her he was going to kill her and her children, and choked and tried to suffocate the woman.
The woman added in her statement that this has happened multiple times in the past, and that when she left her daughter’s house earlier, she thought it could be the last time she would see her.
Police say the victim had visible injuries on her neck and lip. Jones allegedly was visibly intoxicated, with slurred speech and poor balance.
Jones was taken into custody and charged with willful injury causing bodily injury, and Domestic Abuse Assault impeding airflow, both Class D felonies. If convicted, Jones faces a prison sentence of up to ten years. Bond was set at $5000 cash or surety.
KCJJ reported in 2014 that Jones was charged with Domestic Assault Impeding Airflow, along with a third Public Intoxication charge. On September 11th of that year, he was in bed with his wife when he allegedly began choking her, causing her to pass out. A plea deal was negotiated, and he ended up spending four days in jail. He could have faced seven years in prison in that instance.
A check of court records on Jones shows numerous other charges over the years, including marijuana possession, control of a firearm by a felon, going armed with intent, assault, harassment, robbery, burglary, and several violation of probation charges.
