BARBOUR COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man faces serious charges after he strangled his wife and pointed a gun at her head during an argument.
On October 9, 2024, officers responded to a domestic disturbance in Barbour County, West Virginia. Before law enforcement’s arrival, the parties involved had separated. Ptlm. R.D. Hathaway spoke to the victims at a local McDonald’s in Philippi while TIO (the investigating officer) arrived at the residence to find Julius Earnest Cantwell lying in the yard.
Cantwell admitted to being in an altercation with his wife and stated that he had shoved her out of the house. According to statements provided by the wife, along with witnesses, Julius had allegedly pointed a .22 pistol at her head during the confrontation. The witnesses were able to disarm Julius. Additionally, they claimed Julius had grabbed his wife by the throat, causing bruising.
The investigating officer received permission from Julius to search the house, where he observed signs of the altercation, including broken glass and scattered items. A .22 pistol was later found in the bedroom despite Julius denying knowledge of how the firearm got there. Julius Cantwell was arrested and transported to TVRJ (Tygart Valley Regional Jail) after the investigation.
Julius Cantwell now faces charges of strangulation and three counts of wanton endangerment.
