Cheyenne Man Accused of Strangling Girlfriend

A 20-year-old Cheyenne man is facing a felony charge after allegedly strangling his girlfriend.

According to a booking sheet, Gary Austin Smith Jr. was arrested at 3:03 p.m. on July 26, 2024, after a Laramie County Sheriff's deputy was dispatched to a domestic incident.

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Argument Leads to Strangulation Charge for Cheyenne Man

The deputy says Smith's girlfriend told him that she and Smith were arguing about her not wanting to move in with him.

Smith's girlfriend reportedly admitted to slapping Smith in the arms while they were arguing, who then pushed her down in defense.

When she got back up, Smith reportedly grabbed her by the neck and squeezed for approximately 20 to 30 seconds, causing pain and a temporary loss of vision, before throwing her on the floor.

The deputy says Smith's girlfriend had redness around her neck consistent with strangulation.

Smith 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.

Bond Set at $5K Cash for Cheyenne Man Charged With Strangling Girlfriend

Smith made his initial appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court on July 30, 2024, during which his bond was set at $5,000 cash and his preliminary hearing was scheduled for Aug. 7, 2024, at 2 p.m.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.