A 24-year-old Montana man has pleaded not guilty after Wyoming authorities accused him of holding his girlfriend captive for nearly five days, repeatedly assaulting her, threatening to kill her and her family, and abusing her pet cat while they were staying alone at her parents’ home.
Jake Thomas Canestrini is facing multiple felony charges, including kidnapping, strangulation of a household member, interference with a peace officer, cruelty to animals, three counts of aggravated assault and battery, and three counts of domestic battery. The allegations stem from an incident that began on May 30 in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
According to investigators, the victim and Canestrini had been dating for about three years. The alleged abuse began after the woman’s parents left town, leaving the couple alone at the family residence.
Police say Canestrini quickly became violent, repeatedly throwing the woman to the ground and preventing her from leaving the house. Court documents allege he held her on the floor for hours while repeatedly striking her in the head.
The victim reportedly tried to escape several times, but investigators say Canestrini stopped each attempt by grabbing her by the hair and pulling her back inside.
Authorities also allege that on June 2, Canestrini contacted the victim’s employer himself and informed them that she would not be coming to work, further isolating her during the alleged captivity.
According to the charging affidavit, the violence escalated over the following days. Prosecutors say Canestrini held a knife to the woman’s throat while threatening to kill her. He allegedly warned that he would murder her cat, kill members of her family if she contacted police, and even told her he would wait 20 years to kill her if necessary.
Investigators say the victim also reported that Canestrini used a razor blade to cut her thighs, hips, stomach, and arm. She further alleged that he stabbed her in the back and buttock with a fork during one assault.
Police also accuse Canestrini of repeatedly strangling the victim. She reportedly told investigators that several of the attacks left her unable to breathe and fearing she would die.
According to the affidavit, the defendant allegedly told the woman during one assault that he did not want to hurt her but believed she “deserved the punishment” because she had been disrespectful toward him.
A medical examination later documented extensive injuries. Authorities said the victim suffered a concussion along with bruising across much of her body, including her face, shoulders, arms, legs, and knees. Investigators also observed dried blood on her lips and other injuries consistent with prolonged physical abuse.
The investigation also uncovered allegations of animal cruelty. According to the victim, Canestrini grabbed her pet cat and squeezed it so tightly that it cried out in pain. When she begged him to stop, he allegedly picked the cat up by the throat and slammed it onto the floor before telling her he would treat the animal however he wanted.
Authorities said the woman eventually managed to escape the home and report the alleged abuse.
Canestrini was arrested on June 16 and remains charged with multiple felony offenses related to the alleged five-day ordeal.
Last week, he entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. His trial is currently scheduled to begin on Nov. 2 in Wyoming.
