Stroudsburg Man Charged with Strangling Ex-Girlfriend

Authorities say the incident occurred after the suspect could not locate his keys.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:09am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crushed car key fob against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aftermath of a domestic violence incident.A crushed car key fob serves as a grim symbol of the escalating tensions that can lead to tragic domestic violence incidents.Stroudsburg Today

A 32-year-old Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania man has been arrested and charged with strangling his ex-girlfriend following an argument over missing car keys. The alleged assault occurred at the victim's home on April 8th.

Why it matters

Domestic violence incidents often escalate from verbal disputes to physical altercations, putting victims at serious risk of injury or death. This case highlights the need for continued awareness and resources to address intimate partner abuse in the local community.

The details

According to police, the suspect, Ethan Wilcox, became enraged after he could not find his car keys at his ex-girlfriend's residence. Wilcox then allegedly grabbed the victim by the throat, restricting her breathing until she lost consciousness. The victim was able to call 911 after regaining awareness, leading to Wilcox's arrest on charges of strangulation, simple assault, and harassment.

  • The incident occurred on the evening of April 8, 2026.
  • Wilcox was arrested and charged the following day, April 9, 2026.

The players

Ethan Wilcox

A 32-year-old Stroudsburg resident accused of strangling his ex-girlfriend during a domestic dispute.

The Victim

Wilcox's former girlfriend, whose identity is being withheld to protect her privacy.

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What they’re saying

“Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects far too many people in our community. We urge anyone experiencing abuse to reach out for help and support.”

— Chief of Police John Michaels, Stroudsburg Police Department

What’s next

Wilcox is being held on $50,000 bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 18th. The victim has been connected with local domestic violence support services.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the need for greater awareness, resources, and action to prevent and address domestic violence in the Stroudsburg community. By supporting victims and holding abusers accountable, we can work to create a safer environment for all.