Domestic Violence Conviction ‘Proof’ Victim Cooperation Not Necessarily Needed, Prosecutors Say

A Tulsa County jury convicts a man of repeatedly strangling and beating his wife, even though the victim was too scared to cooperate with the prosecution.

Prosecutors said it is proof they can take a case to court even without a victim. 

They said there's been an increase in domestic violence as people are more isolated, so it's more important than ever for people to speak up.

Terry Schroeder's list of crimes dates back two decades ago.

They include DUI, drugs, pointing a weapon, having a gun as a felon and most recently, assault and battery. For that conviction in 2010, he got a two-year suspended sentence. In 2014, he was convicted of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to six years in prison but served half of that.

Now, he's been convicted of domestic assault and battery by strangulation in a case involving his wife.

"They had been married two years; it became abusive shortly after they got together," said Asst. District Attorney Ashley Nix.

Nix said in this case, Schroeder would beat and strangle the victim daily and Glenpool police were worried he would kill her.

"She was terrified for her life," said Nix.

Nix said the victim did not want to testify, so the officers testified, and the jury still convicted Schroeder.

"It's incredible to see it matters to citizens and they care, even when a victim doesn't want to be a part of this process," Nix said.

Asst. District Attorney Kenneth Elmore said the Tulsa County DA's office takes domestic and sexual violence cases seriously and urges anyone to speak up if they know of violence happening, because they can still prosecute cases if neighbors, family, or friends will report it.

He said with so many horrific cases lately, it's more important than ever to check on your loved ones.

"That's how this office has treated domestic violence, as homicide prevention," Elmore said. "When you make that call, you might be saving a life."

Schroeder's defense attorney said he can't make a statement until he gets Schroeder's permission.