A 20-year-old Coatesville man is facing murder charges after police say he admitted choking his girlfriend during an argument, then called 911 to report thoughts of self-harm. Kevin Reza-Gonzales called 911 at about 11 a.m. Sunday, according to Daily Voice. Officers located him near Chester Avenue and East Lincoln Highway, where investigators say he eventually told them he had argued with his girlfriend and choked her.
Police Found Victim During Welfare Check
Officers then conducted a welfare check at the woman’s residence and found her dead on a bed, with bruising and injuries around her neck. Investigators determined she had been strangled earlier that morning, authorities said, while her identity has not been publicly released.
Reza-Gonzales was arraigned before Judge Gregory Hines and remanded to Chester County Prison without bail. Daily Voice reports that he is charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder and strangulation, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday, August 12.
Police And Prosecutors Urge Survivors To Seek Help
The Coatesville City Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from Chester County detectives. Police Lt. Rodger Ollis said detectives remain committed to holding the suspect accountable, while Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe urged people experiencing domestic violence to seek help rather than remain isolated.
The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County operates a 24-hour hotline at 888-711-6270, according to the Domestic Violence Center. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911; Chester County residents who cannot safely call can text 911.
Murder Charges Remain Allegations
The charges are allegations, and Reza-Gonzales is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court. The preliminary hearing is expected to provide an early opportunity for the prosecution and defense to address the evidence and next steps in the case.
