Lewiston Man Convicted of Felony Attempted Strangulation

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A 46-year-old Lewiston man has been convicted by a jury of felony attempted strangulation after violently attacking his ex-girlfriend in her apartment last September, punching and strangling her multiple times before fleeing the scene. Witherup was later arrested a few blocks away and is now facing up to 15 years in prison and a $50,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for April 29th.

Why it matters

Domestic violence and strangulation cases are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors, as they can be precursors to more severe violence and even homicide. This conviction sends a strong message that such attacks will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in order to protect victims and the broader community.

The details

According to the Nez Perce County Prosecutor's Office, on September 20th, 2025, the Lewiston Police Department responded to a 911 call after Joseph Witherup violently attacked his ex-girlfriend in her apartment. Witherup punched and strangled the victim multiple times before fleeing the scene. He was arrested a few blocks away and has now been found guilty by a jury of felony attempted strangulation.

• On September 20th, 2025, the Lewiston Police Department responded to a 911 call about the attack.
• Witherup was arrested a few blocks away from the apartment shortly after the incident.
• Witherup was found guilty by a jury earlier this month.
• Witherup is scheduled for sentencing on April 29th.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 29th whether to sentence Witherup to up to 15 years in prison and/or a $50,000 fine for the felony attempted strangulation conviction.