Strangled Over Phone

⏱ 2 min read

Marcus Hazel, 32, of Washington, D.C., strangled his girlfriend at the Gateway Hotel in the 2700 block of New York Avenue, NE, on November 28, 2025, during an argument over a lost cell phone. The dispute escalated when Hazel’s girlfriend offered to let him use her phone until his was found, but he became enraged and demanded she buy him a new one. Hazel then placed his hands around her neck, applying pressure until she couldn’t breathe, and slammed her to the floor.

The victim nearly lost consciousness before Hazel stopped the attack. Hazel pleaded guilty to strangulation in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on January 16, 2026.

Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced Hazel to 10 months in prison for the offense. The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elias Feldman of the Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section.

The US Attorney’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department commended the investigators and prosecutors involved in the case, which highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence. Hazel’s sentence serves as a reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.