Man Awaiting Trial After Baby's Death Arrested for Attack on Wife

David Strause III was charged with involuntary manslaughter in his infant son's death and now faces new domestic violence charges.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 2:39pm

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A Pennsylvania man awaiting trial for involuntary manslaughter in the death of his 3-month-old son has been arrested again and charged with domestic violence against his wife. The new charges allege that Strause shoved his wife, hit her in the face with a gun, and shot at her vehicle as she fled their home.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges and dangers of domestic violence, especially when perpetrators have other pending criminal charges. It raises questions about bail and pre-trial release policies, as well as the need for stronger interventions to protect victims of domestic abuse.

The details

According to investigators, in May 2024 Strause's 3-month-old son, Gavin, died from asphyxiation after being put to sleep on his stomach with blankets and plush toys in the crib, violating safe sleep guidelines. Both Strause and his wife were charged with involuntary manslaughter. While awaiting trial, Strause allegedly got into a drunken argument with his wife, shoved her, hit her with a gun, and shot at her vehicle as she fled their home. Police were called and Strause initially refused to surrender, leading to a standoff that required closing nearby roads.

  • On May 8, 2024, Strause's 3-month-old son, Gavin, died from asphyxiation.
  • Roughly one year after Gavin's death, both Strause and his wife were charged with involuntary manslaughter.
  • Strause's trial was set for March 23, 2026.
  • On February 7, 2026, Strause was arrested again following a domestic dispute with his wife.

The players

David Strause III

A Pennsylvania man who was awaiting trial for involuntary manslaughter in the death of his 3-month-old son and has now been charged with domestic violence against his wife.

Gavin Strause

Strause's 3-month-old son who died from asphyxiation in 2024.

Strause's wife

The victim in the recent domestic violence incident, who called 911 to report that Strause shoved her, hit her with a gun, and shot at her vehicle as she fled their home.

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What they’re saying

“Domestic violence incidents are always the most dangerous for the victims and police. They represent heated arguments full of emotion and without reason. The victim was lucky to escape without being shot; the multitude of State Police Troopers on scene are lucky to do the same.”

— Pier Hess Graf, Lebanon County District Attorney (The Lebanon Daily News)

What’s next

Strause's next court date is scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026, where he will face the new domestic violence charges in addition to the pending involuntary manslaughter case.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for stronger interventions and support systems to protect victims of domestic violence, especially when perpetrators have other criminal charges pending. It raises difficult questions about bail and pre-trial release policies, and highlights the grave risks and ongoing trauma experienced by domestic abuse survivors.