59-Year-Old San Angelo Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Choking Girlfriend

A 59-year-old San Angelo man was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Thursday for assaulting and choking his girlfriend on Jan. 15, 2013, a press release from the 51st District Attorney's Office states. 

Johnny Navarro's charge, a third-degree felony punishable by 2-10 years confinement, was enhanced to 25-99 years due to two previous felony charges. 

According the release, the assault occurred at the San Angelo Lodge, located at 1717 W. Beauregard Ave. on Jan. 15, 2013 at approximately 2:15 a.m. SAPD officers were dispatched to the location for a domestic dispute, and upon arrival made contact with Navarro's girlfriend, Minerva Lopez, who was upset had a black eye.

Lopez told police that she had told her boyfriend she intended to leave him, but he refused to let her leave and a struggle ensued. Lopez then began screaming for help and Navarro put his hand over her mouth, preventing her from breathing, the release states.

By the time police arrived, Navarro had fled the scene. 

A Grand Jury for the 51st Judicial District indicted Navarro on May 7, 2013. The defendant waived a jury trial and 51st Judicial District Judge Barbara Walther heard evidence in the case.  Officers Abel Nandin and Tony Lopez testified for the State, along with Minerva Lopez and Guadalupe Lara (San Angelo Lodge Clerk). The defense called the victim’s son, Alfredo Santillan, along with Craig Bible with the local parole office as witnesses.