A man from Montana was taken into custody after allegedly subjecting his girlfriend to several days of torture at her parents’ residence before she managed to flee.
Jake Thomas Canestrini faces charges including one count each of kidnapping, strangulating a household member, obstructing a peace officer, and cruelty to animals. Additionally, he is charged with three counts each of aggravated assault, battery, and domestic battery.
The ordeal reportedly began on May 30, when 24-year-old Canestrini allegedly held his girlfriend, with whom he had been in a relationship for about three years, captive for five days.
The victim’s parents left town on May 30, leaving the couple alone at their Rock Springs home. Shortly after, Canestrini is accused of repeatedly throwing his girlfriend to the ground and preventing her from leaving the house, according to an affidavit obtained by Cowboy State Daily.
The affidavit states, “Canestrini held her on the ground for several hours and continued to hit her on the head.”
Despite her attempts to escape, the victim was allegedly stopped by Canestrini, who would pull her back down by her hair.
On June 2, Canestrini reportedly contacted his girlfriend’s workplace, informing them she would not be coming to work that day.
The violence is said to have escalated over the days, with Canestrini making a series of threatening remarks.
According to the affidavit, Canestrini allegedly threatened, “I will f***ing murder you,” while holding a knife to her throat. He also reportedly threatened to harm her cat and family if she involved the authorities, saying, “I will wait 20 years so I can kill you.”
Canestrini allegedly used a razor blade to cut the victim’s thighs, hips, stomach, and arm, and a fork to stab her in the back and “butt cheek,” according to police.
The affidavit further notes Canestrini repeatedly strangled the woman, causing her to fear for her life and struggle to breathe.
She told law enforcement that Canestrini expressed reluctance in his actions, claiming she deserved the punishment for being a “b**** to him.”
After the woman managed to escape, a medical examination revealed she had a concussion. Investigators also noted she was covered in bruises and had injuries to her face, arms, shoulders, legs, and knees.
Canestrini is also accused of harming the victim’s cat, with reports of him “squeezing the f*** out of him.”
Following the victim’s escape, Canestrini was arrested on June 16. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to Cowboy State Daily.
His trial is set to commence on November 2.
