Alterra Man in Custody After Allegedly Strangling Wife Over Divorce Talks

Barrington O’Neal, a 39-year-old man from Alterra, was arrested on June 13, 2025, following an alleged domestic violence incident involving his wife.

The situation escalated during a heated argument about infidelity, prompting the woman to suggest divorce. She called 911 after noticing bruises on her neck, which she believed were caused by O’Neal days earlier.

According to police reports, the couple had been arguing in a local park where O’Neal confronted her. When she mentioned the possibility of divorce, he allegedly threatened her, stating, “till death do we part, b*tch,” and attempted to drag her back home.

O’Neal then reportedly placed both hands around her neck, making it difficult for her to breathe and causing her to fear she would lose consciousness.

When police interviewed the woman four days later, they observed significant bruising on her arms and markings on her neck. She underwent a forensic examination, but results were still pending at the time of the report.

Police located O’Neal near Alterra Parkway and Rhea Road, where he allegedly confessed to choking his wife and admitted, “I messed up.”

O’Neal was arrested and booked into Pinal County Jail, facing charges that include aggravated strangulation, assault, and disorderly conduct. Conviction could result in a prison sentence exceeding 16 years.