⏱ 2 min read
Alex Jeffery James-Tulee, a 23-year-old from Toppenish, Washington, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for brutally assaulting two women he was in domestic relationships with, both enrolled members of the Yakama Nation. The assaults occurred in November 2022 and July 2025, in Toppenish and Wapato, Washington, respectively. James-Tulee’s actions left one of the victims with substantial bodily injury and both women reported suffering repeated acts of violence at his hands.
The first assault occurred in November 2022, when James-Tulee struck and bit his then-partner in Toppenish, causing significant harm. The second assault happened in July 2025, when James-Tulee bit and choked another partner outside a residence in Wapato. The severity of these crimes demonstrates a disturbing pattern of escalating violence.
First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano stated that domestic violence undermines the safety and wellbeing of the entire community, and his office remains committed to holding offenders accountable and supporting survivors. The sentence reflects the seriousness of James-Tulee’s repeated and escalating violence against his partners, sending a message that domestic violence will not be tolerated.
The case highlights the alarming rates of domestic abuse experienced by Native American women, who are disproportionately affected by this type of violence. Law enforcement and community partners will continue to work together to ensure that those affected by domestic violence are heard, protected, and empowered.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Washington
- Location: WA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
