A Gresham woman is in custody after allegedly strangling and severely beating her former girlfriend on Wednesday, Feb. 27.
Micialia Rea-Branch, 21, is being held on $20,000 bail at the Multnomah County Detention Center on allegations of strangulation, coercion, fourth-degree domestic violence assault and criminal mischief.
A Portland police officer responding to the domestic disturbance at 6:02 a.m. in the 17700 block of Southeast Division Street, noted that the side of the victims face was very swollen and saw what appeared to be a ligature mark around her neck, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The victim told police that she dated the suspect for more than a year before they broke up seven months ago. They moved in together one week before the incident, which was sparked when the victim told Rea-Branch she didnt want to date her again.
When the victim tried to go to her bedroom, Rea-Branch reportedly blocked her path and tackled the woman when she tried to push by her.
The two women wrestled before Rea-Branch allegedly hit, bit and wrapped something around the victims neck, strangling her at least four times before the victim blacked out.
When she regained consciousness, she tried to leave again, but Rea-Branch allegedly blocked the front door and punched her in the face with a closed fist, knocking her to the ground, when the victim tried to get by.
Rea-Branch then picked up a knife, threatened to kill herself and began cutting her wrist. She also reportedly cut up the victims credit cards and identification.
Rea-Branch eventually left the apartment and used the knife to cut a hole in one of the victims tire. Police noted that one tire appeared to be half as inflated as the other tires.
Rea-Branch was arraigned on Thursday, Feb. 28, in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Her next court appearance is Friday, March 8.