Abuser Strangled, Punched Girlfriend While She Held Baby: Police

AURORA, IL --- An Aurora man with a history of domestic abuse has been convicted of strangling his girlfriend and punching her while she held their child. Daniel L. Benson Jr., 30, allegedly attacked the victim after the couple had a verbal altercation, according to Kane County State's Attorney's Office.

Authorities say Benson's girlfriend was holding their child in the kitchen when Benson punched her in the rib cage. The victim then went to the living room to place their child in a bassinet, when Benson reportedly punched her in the thigh, which caused her to fall.

While the victim was on the ground, police say Benson "strangled her with his hands for about 30 seconds," but stopped when police arrived.

Benson was taken to Kane County Jail, where he has been held since the incident. After this recent conviction, he faces up to seven years in prison.

Benson was previously convicted on charges of domestic abuse in LaSalle County in 2017.

Image via Kane County State's Attorney's Office