Neosho man found guilty on two counts, not guilty on three
NEOSHO, Mo. – A Neosho man was found guilty of two counts by a jury on Tuesday, September 30, at the conclusion of a two-day jury trial. The jury deliberated for just over forty-five minutes.
Aaron Matthew Whitley, 44, was convicted on counts of Domestic Assault in the First Degree, Armed Criminal Action and not guilty on Kidnapping in the First Degree, Sodomy in the First Degree, and Property Damage in the First Degree in front of Judge Charles Genisio of the 40th Judicial Circuit.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 17, 2025.
According to a probable cause statement filed with the case, Whitley rammed his truck into the victim’s vehicle, then proceeded to punch the victim, slam her head into a wall, and threaten to kill her and held her at knifepoint. When police arrived on scene, they observed a laceration on the victim’s head and that she was bleeding from her mouth.
At trial, the victim testified that Whitley grabbed and ripped out handfuls of her hair, grabbed a knife and cut off her hair, and then shoved the hair into her mouth to the point that she couldn’t breathe. She testified that she was in fear for her life and followed Whitley’s instructions to clean herself up, while cleaning herself, the defendant sodomized her with his finger and continued to physically assault her.
Two of the defendant’s relatives, witnesses to a portion of the assault, also testified for the state, corroborating the victim’s recollection of events. One relative testified about calling 911 after hearing the victim scream for help and seeing her covered in blood.
At closing argument, the state pointed out that the defendant was eight inches taller and 50 pounds heavier than the victim. The state asked the jury to consider how much force had to be used to pull out the victim’s hair by the roots. Before sending the jury back, the state showed the body cam footage of the victim screaming for help when police arrived on scene
“I have full faith in our criminal justice system. While it’s not perfect, I believe it to be the best in the world. We tried our case before a jury of Newton County citizens and we are pleased with the outcome,” said William Lynch, Newton County Prosecuting Attorney. “Our victim showed incredible courage in facing her abuser in court. No justice would be served without her brave participation and I’m very thankful to her.”
This case was investigated by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.