Cheyenne Man Accused of Severely Strangling Household Member

A 30-year-old Cheyenne man is facing a felony charge after allegedly strangling a female household member.

According to a booking sheet, Luis Arturo Murillo Lopez was arrested at 9:24 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, after a Laramie County Sheriff's deputy was called to a location in Cheyenne.

Bloodshot Eyes and a Raspy Voice

It's alleged that Murillo Lopez choked the victim to the extent that her eyes were bloodshot and she had a raspy voice.

Murillo Lopez was booked into the Laramie County Detention Center and subsequently charged with strangulation of a household member - applying pressure on the throat or neck, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and domestic battery, a misdemeanor.

Initial Court Appearance

The following afternoon, July 31, Murillo Lopez was seen in Laramie County Circuit Court in front of Judge TJ Forwood on the charges.

Forwood appointed Murillo Lopez a public defender and asked the state for recommendation on bond.

"After reviewing the affidavit of probable cause, this appears to be a very severe strangulation," the state told the court. "Given the nature of this crime, the state believes that a $5,000 cash bond is appropriate."

Bond Set at $5K Cash

Forwood set Murillo Lopez's bond at $5,000 cash and told him, "You are not allowed to have any contact with the victim."

Murillo Lopez's next court date will be a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, August 5, at 11 a.m.

Please remember that all suspects are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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How to Get Help

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call Safehouse Services in Cheyenne at 307-637-7233.

You can also get help by calling the Wyoming Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-591-9159 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.