Alcohol Fuels Violent Altercation in Cheyenne Home

A 37-year-old Cheyenne man is facing felony charges following an alleged alcohol-fueled domestic violence incident.

911 Hang-Up

According to a booking sheet, William Alfredo Santos Melendez was arrested at 8:07 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, after a Laramie County Sheriff's deputy was dispatched to a 911 hang-up that was a physical domestic.

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Investigation Leads to Felony Charges

The deputy says investigation revealed that Santos Melendez was involved in a physical altercation with the victim, during which he placed his hand around her neck, causing minor injury.

The deputy says the victim was approximately eight weeks pregnant at the time.

The incident also reportedly involved alcohol.

Santos Melendez was taken to the Laramie County Detention Center and subsequently charged with strangulation of a household member and aggravated assault and battery against a pregnant woman, both felonies punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Initial Court Appearance

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, Santos Melendez was seen in Laramie County Circuit Court in front of Judge Antoinette Williams on the charges.

"You do not qualify for a public defender, so you'll have to hire your own attorney," Williams told Santos Melendez.

Williams then asked for the state's position regarding bond.

"The state would recommend $15,000 cash," it said. "Also, your honor, I would note for the court that it appears that Mr. Santos Melendez was intoxicated during this matter, and the state would be requesting testing as a bond condition."

Out on Bond

Williams set Santos Melendez's bond at $15,000 cash, which he later posted.

Santos Melendez is scheduled to be back in circuit court for his preliminary hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 3:45 p.m.

Please remember that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Help is Available

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, help is available.

If you are unable to reach out to law enforcement directly, there are confidential resources in our area that can support you:

• Safehouse Services in Cheyenne, call 307-637-SAFE (7233) or visit wyomingsafehouse.org
• SAFE Project in Laramie, call 307-745-3556 or visit safeproject.org
• National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org