A Marion County man is behind bars after deputies say he threatened his girlfriend with a shovel, choked her until she lost control of her bladder, and claimed he had “nothing to lose.”
Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance on May 24 after the victim, Clelia Rodriguez, reported that her boyfriend, Danny Silva, had assaulted her at their shared residence.
According to the report, the argument started in the backyard and escalated when Silva allegedly grabbed a shovel and raised it over his head as if to strike Rodriguez while she tried to retreat inside. Instead of hitting her, he struck a nearby metal door—leaving fresh dents and peeled paint consistent with a metal object.
Moments later, Silva allegedly grabbed Rodriguez by the throat and began choking her, restricting her blood flow to the point she urinated on herself. Photos of her injuries taken shortly after the incident showed red marks on her neck, according to the deputy.
During the attack, Silva allegedly told the victim, “I have nothing to lose. I’ll kill myself and I’ll kill you.”
When questioned, Silva admitted to holding the shovel but denied threatening or touching the victim. He also claimed to have no knowledge of the damaged door.
Despite denying the physical assault, Silva was arrested on charges of battery by strangulation and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (without intent to kill). He was taken into custody following a medical clearance at AdventHealth Hospital and transported to the Marion County Jail.
