North Liberty Man Charged with Domestic Assault, Child Endangerment

20-year-old Martrell McWilliams arrested after alleged incident involving girlfriend and newborn child

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:29pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken cell phone screen reflecting a faint light, conveying the gritty, stark aftermath of a domestic violence incident through dramatic lighting and texture.The aftermath of a domestic violence incident leaves behind shattered technology and shattered trust.Iowa City Today

A 20-year-old North Liberty man has been arrested and charged with domestic abuse assault, child endangerment, and marijuana possession after an alleged incident involving his live-in girlfriend and their newborn child. Police were called to the couple's residence on Tuesday morning, where the woman reported that McWilliams had knocked her phone out of her hand, pushed her against a counter, grabbed her neck, and thrown her onto a couch while holding their baby. McWilliams later returned to the scene and allegedly admitted to the assault and drug possession.

Why it matters

Domestic violence incidents involving physical assault and the endangerment of children are serious crimes that can have long-lasting impacts on victims and families. This case highlights the need for continued vigilance and support services to address domestic abuse in local communities.

The details

According to police, officers were dispatched to the Sugar Creek Lane residence of Martrell McWilliams around 8:51 am on Tuesday morning in response to reports of a physical domestic incident. While en route, dispatchers informed officers that McWilliams had choked the victim and left the scene in her vehicle. The woman told police that McWilliams had knocked her phone out of her hand, followed her into the kitchen, pushed her up against the counter, and grabbed her neck to force her to look at him. She said McWilliams was holding their newborn child at the time, and he then put the baby down on a couch before picking the woman up and throwing her onto the same couch. McWilliams later returned to the scene and allegedly admitted to grabbing the woman by the neck, as well as acknowledging that a small amount of marijuana in the living room belonged to him.

  • Police were dispatched to the residence around 8:51 am on Tuesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The alleged incident occurred earlier that morning at the couple's home.

The players

Martrell McWilliams

A 20-year-old North Liberty resident who has been charged with domestic abuse assault, child endangerment, and marijuana possession following an alleged incident involving his live-in girlfriend and their newborn child.

The Victim

McWilliams' live-in girlfriend, who reported the alleged assault to police.

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What they’re saying

“He allegedly put the child down on a couch, picked the woman up, and threw her onto the couch.”

— The Victim

“McWilliams later returned to the scene and reportedly admitted to grabbing the woman by the neck.”

— Police

What’s next

McWilliams is being held in the Johnson County Jail. He faces a potential jail sentence of over three years if convicted on all charges.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for continued efforts to address domestic violence and protect vulnerable children in local communities. Support services and stronger enforcement of laws against assault and child endangerment are critical to preventing such incidents and helping victims.