Salt Lake City police arrested 30-year-old Keni Marcel Maama after a woman who identified him as her partner escaped and told officers he had repeatedly strangled her. According to investigators, she said the violence had escalated over recent weeks and that Maama strangled her more than 20 times before she sought help from police on April 22. Maama was charged on April 25 and is being held without bail in the Salt Lake County Jail.
What police and court documents say
As outlined by ABC4 Utah, the probable cause affidavit states the victim tried to escape several times, including attempting to jump from an open window, but Maama allegedly pulled her back inside and continued the abuse. Court documents describe visible injuries to the victim’s neck, face, and jaw that investigators say are consistent with repeated strangulation. After speaking with the police, she reported an extremely hoarse voice, as well as nausea, dizziness, headaches, and ringing in her ears.
When officers took Maama into custody, they say they found suspected fentanyl pills and a melted plastic straw on him, according to the same affidavit.
Why strangulation claims are treated as severe
Medical and forensic research has found that non-fatal strangulation is a strong risk marker for later lethal violence and can cause serious internal injuries even when there are few or no external marks. Symptoms the victim reported, including hoarseness, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and headaches, match common signs clinicians and first responders use to identify strangulation injuries, which may not show up fully until hours or days later. Survivors who report being strangled face a significantly higher risk of future attempted or completed homicide, which is why investigators treat these allegations with particular urgency, according to the NCBI.
Charges, custody and next steps
Per court filings and police statements, Maama was booked on counts including aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony, aggravated assault, a third-degree felony, misdemeanor assault, and possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance, according to ABC4 Utah. Salt Lake City police said he had an outstanding warrant at the time the alleged incidents occurred and described him as a danger to the community. Prosecutors will decide whether to file formal indictments as the case moves forward in court.
Resources and safety
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. Confidential, 24/7 support for survivors is also available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), by texting START to 88788, or via chat at TheHotline.org. Salt Lake City Police Department victim advocates can provide crisis intervention and safety planning, and the department’s Victim and Witness Assistance policy lists an advocate response line and resources in its published manual. Local advocates can also help with shelter, protective orders, and legal referrals while any criminal case moves forward.
