07/01/2026
MAN SENTENCED TO MINIMUM OF SEVEN YEARS PRISON FOR ATTEMPTED STRANGULATION
On June 26, 2026, Joseph A. Witherup, 46 years old of Lewiston Idaho, was sentenced to 7 to 15 years in prison after being found guilty by a jury of Attempted Strangulation.
Witherup was charged with Attempted Strangulation by the Lewiston Police Department on September 20, 2025, after he violently attacked his ex-girlfriend in her apartment by punching and strangling her multiple times. Defendant fled the scene and ultimately was arrested a few blocks away.
Citing the defendant’s violent criminal history, seriousness of the attack on the victim and defendant’s risk to reoffend, the State represented by Deputy Prosecutor Kali Jo Parker, urged the court to impose a 10 to 15 year prison sentence. Parker argued to the court “Despite the defendant’s best efforts to create one there are no justifications for choking [the victim]…Defendant has taken no accountability for his actions, he has shown no remorse.” The defense argued for a retained jurisdiction.
After listening to arguments District Court Judge Mark Monson found that the defendant, as a multi-time offender, poses a risk to future romantic partners. The court explained that the defendant has established a dangerous behavioral pattern which is likely to reoccur and sentenced Mr. Witherup to a minimum sentence of 7 years and up to 15 years in prison.
“I want to thank the Lewiston Police Department Officers for their hard work and dedication in investigating this case and thank Deputy Prosecutor Parker in not only getting the guilty verdict but also this appropriate sentence,” said Prosecutor Justin Coleman.
