PARKERSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A harrowing series of alleged domestic abuse incidents spanning several days led to a call for justice after a woman escaped from her boyfriend and reported the ordeal to law enforcement.
Sgt. C.A. Miller of the Wood County Sheriff’s Office began investigating on December 19, 2024, after receiving information from the Perry County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office regarding a potential crime. The victim told Ohio authorities she had been held against her will and assaulted repeatedly by her boyfriend, Joshua Sprouse, at their home on Neal Street in Parkersburg, WV.
The Allegations
The victim recounted the events to investigators, stating that the abuse began during a trip to Pittsburgh, PA, on December 13, 2024. Sprouse allegedly accused her of infidelity, a claim he repeated as they returned home to Parkersburg.
According to her, the abuse escalated in the early hours of December 15 when Sprouse assaulted her in the garage of their Neal Street residence. She described being struck with both closed fists and open hands, then kicked while lying on the floor. The attack reportedly lasted between 30 minutes to an hour.
Following the assault, she said Sprouse became concerned that her visible injuries might alarm her daughter. The couple and their son left the residence and traveled to Mineral Wells, where another woman helped Sprouse rent a hotel room.
At the hotel, the victim said Sprouse temporarily stopped attacking her, allowing her to bathe her son. Seizing an opportunity, she attempted to escape, screaming for help in the hallway. However, Sprouse allegedly found her hiding in a maintenance closet and forced her back to the room.
Extended Ordeal
The victim claimed that Sprouse locked her and their child in a vehicle with activated child safety locks and drove around backroads overnight, hitting her repeatedly. At one point, he reportedly forced her into a creek, threatening her with more violence if she didn’t comply.
The following day, they returned to the Neal Street residence, where she alleged the abuse resumed. Sprouse reportedly struck her with a broom and forced her to choose a hammer with which he then used to hit her hand. He also threatened to cut off her tongue with a knife during another confrontation.
Escape and Medical Evaluation
She said she finally escaped on December 19, taking her son and driving to a gas station despite severe injuries. A friend assisted her in reaching her mother’s house, and she was later taken to a hospital in Zanesville, Ohio.
Law enforcement observed significant injuries, including severe swelling and bruising on her face, hands, and forearms. Medical records confirmed a rib fracture, facial contusions, a perforated eardrum, and other injuries consistent with her account.
She also reported that Sprouse had taken her phone, preventing her from seeking help and that he had been using methamphetamines during the events.
Investigation Ongoing
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the allegations against Sprouse, who faces potential charges for kidnapping, domestic battery, and other offenses.
