Cashel Barnett jailed in Utah for allegedly 'choking' his ex-girlfriend in front of their child

Reality TV star Cashel Barnett, 34, has been jailed in Utah following allegations that he assaulted his ex-girlfriend by “choking” her in front of their 1-year-old child, according to the Daily Mail. He reportedly surrendered to Salt Lake City police on Monday morning after a felony arrest warrant was issued earlier in the week.

The ‘Love Island’ contestant was being held without bail after prosecutors filed charges from an April incident.

The TMZ report said Cashel is accused of slapping the victim before allegedly lifting her by the neck and strangling her with both hands until she nearly lost consciousness. The incident reportedly occurred on April 10 and was reported by the victim on April 24. Cashel was arrested on Monday after voluntarily turning himself in, as per his attorneys.

What are charges against Cashel Barnett?

The reality star is facing charges of felony aggravated assault, felony domestic violence committed in the presence of a child, and two misdemeanour counts of assault.

More charges may come up against him as police are probing another serious accusation of violence made by the victim. Cashel, 34, is placed in the Salt Lake City jail and will probably have a detention hearing on Thursday to assess a possible bail amount, if any, the report further mentioned.

The victim told the police that she suffered “difficulty breathing, a raspy voice, coughing, trouble swallowing, neck pain, nausea, vomiting, agitation, amnesia, memory loss, visual changes, and headache.” It does not state whether she asked for medical attention, NBC reported.

When she attempted to calm Barnett during an argument in front of the child, he allegedly slapped her arms, lifted her by the neck with both hands, and slammed her onto a bed, she told the police. The report alleges that Cashel strangled the woman with "continuous pressure," leaving her unable to breathe and causing her vision to blur.

Cashel starred on the first season of ‘Love Island’ in 2019 and on ‘The Challenge: USA’ show in 2022.

Netizens react

One of the users said, “Too bad he wasn’t a drag queen, or a trans, conservative would be super unhappy right now. He could actually run for a Republican seat right now and win [sic].” 

Another stated, “I mean who's shocked [sic].”