Castle Rock, Colorado — A Douglas County jury has convicted a 39-year-old man on multiple assault charges stemming from a brutal incident involving two women in a Highlands Ranch home. Zebediah Joseph Scales, a resident of Texas, faces serious allegations related to a violent outburst that occurred in November 2024.
The incident unfolded when Scales, who was visiting a woman he had been dating, confronted her in the bathroom, where she was engaged in a phone conversation with a friend. Believing his partner was unfaithful, Scales abruptly entered the bathroom and attempted to pull her from the bathtub. When the friend intervened, he allegedly pushed her to the ground, causing her head to strike the floor. In the ensuing chaos, Scales reportedly choked both women, leading to life-threatening injuries.
According to law enforcement, one of the victims managed to call 911, prompting a swift response from a deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arrival, the deputy observed significant bruising on the friend’s neck, consistent with strangulation. Scales, however, claimed he was unaware of the events, insisting he had been asleep during the assault.
The case against Scales revealed a troubling history; he has an extensive criminal record that includes various assault convictions, weapon-related charges, and drug offenses. Authorities noted that while he was awaiting trial, he fled to Texas but was subsequently located and extradited back to Colorado.
Following the trial, Scales was found guilty of two counts of felony strangulation and two counts of assault for causing bodily injury. Deputy District Attorney Lindsay Tucker emphasized the severity of the charges, stating that the verdict underscores the community’s stance against violence, particularly against women. “While the harm caused to the victims cannot be undone, this defendant will be held fully accountable for his actions,” she remarked.
Scales is set to be sentenced on March 27, as the court prepares to address the gravity of his crimes. The case has sparked discussions about domestic violence and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions, reflecting a commitment within the community to support victims and prevent further incidents.