PINEVILLE, Ky. — A local man has pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including assault and domestic violence, following a disturbing incident that left a woman severely injured. Twenty-five-year-old Charles Girdner admitted to using a knife to attack his victim and subsequently strangulating her until she lost consciousness.
The charges against Girdner stem from a violent confrontation in January 2022. According to court records, he was also charged with resisting arrest after fleeing from law enforcement on the scene. In a subsequent indictment in 2024, he faced additional charges for failing to appear in court after being released on bail.
As part of a plea deal in Bell Circuit Court, Girdner accepted responsibility for second-degree assault, second-degree strangulation, resisting arrest, and first-degree bail jumping. The Commonwealth is recommending a 12-year sentence across all charges during his upcoming sentencing, scheduled for July 31.
This case highlights the increasing focus on domestic violence and strangulation cases in Kentucky. Earlier this year, the state’s Attorney General Russell Coleman unveiled a groundbreaking toolkit aimed at aiding law enforcement, prosecutors, and health care providers in addressing cases of strangulation—one of the most dangerous forms of domestic abuse. The manual, titled “Responding to Strangulation in Kentucky,” is one of the first of its kind nationwide.
Coleman applauded the collaborative efforts of the legal and medical communities in bringing Girdner to justice. He emphasized the seriousness with which Kentucky handles domestic violence cases, stating, “We will continue utilizing every law available to protect victims and hold violators accountable.”
The investigation was conducted by the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant Attorney General Barbara Maines Whaley representing the Commonwealth in court. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in combating domestic violence and ensuring victim safety in the community.
As Girdner awaits sentencing, many hope that this case and others like it will lead to increased awareness and advocacy for victims of domestic violence in Kentucky and beyond.