Prosecutors say a Brentwood man kidnapped his former girlfriend, dragged her into his backyard, and strangled her until she lost consciousness before she managed to call 911.
Brentwood, NY – A 42-year-old Honduran national has been indicted on kidnapping, strangulation, and other felony charges after prosecutors say he abducted his former girlfriend, dragged her into his backyard, and choked her unconscious during a violent domestic attack.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Darli Mejia, of Brentwood, was arraigned Thursday on a multi-count indictment stemming from the alleged June 20 attack.
Victim allegedly lured into defendant’s vehicle
According to prosecutors, Mejia picked up his ex-girlfriend from work after offering to drive her home.
Investigators allege the victim became alarmed when Mejia drove away from her apartment instead of toward it and asked to get out of the vehicle so she could call a taxi. Prosecutors say Mejia instead took her cellphone and continued driving to his Brentwood residence.
Once there, Mejia allegedly attempted to force the woman into his apartment. When she resisted, prosecutors say he bit her face before dragging her into the backyard.
Prosecutors say victim lost consciousness
Authorities allege Mejia strangled the victim with one hand while covering her nose and mouth with the other to keep her from escaping.
According to the indictment, the victim lost consciousness during the assault and regained consciousness only after Mejia allegedly performed chest compressions in an apparent effort to revive her.
“The victim in this case endured a horrifying attack that could have ended her life,” District Attorney Tierney said. “Thanks to her bravery and quick thinking, the defendant is now in custody.”
Victim locked herself in bathroom to call 911
Despite her injuries, prosecutors said the victim agreed to enter Mejia’s apartment after he allegedly promised to call an ambulance.
Once inside, investigators say she locked herself inside a bathroom and persuaded Mejia to return her cellphone. After recovering the phone, she called 911.
Members of the Suffolk County Police Department responded to the residence, arrested Mejia, and transported the victim to South Shore University Hospital for treatment.
Faces kidnapping and strangulation charges
A Suffolk County grand jury indicted Mejia on charges including second-degree kidnapping, second-degree strangulation, first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, fourth-degree grand larceny, assault, criminal mischief, and harassment.
Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis ordered Mejia held on $750,000 cash bail, $1.5 million bond, or a $7.5 million partially secured bond pending trial.
If convicted of the top charge, Mejia faces up to 25 years in prison.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged an immigration detainer requesting custody of Mejia following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
The charges are allegations, and Mejia is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Prosecutors allege Darli Mejia kidnapped and strangled his former girlfriend at his Brentwood home.
- The victim allegedly lost consciousness before convincing Mejia to return her cellphone and calling 911 from a locked bathroom.
- Mejia was indicted on kidnapping, strangulation, sexual abuse, and other felony charges and is being held on $750,000 cash bail.
Related: Suffolk County District Attorney, Brentwood, Suffolk County Police Department, domestic violence, kidnapping
