Retired MMA Fighter Pleads Guilty To Attempted Murder Of Girlfriend

WOBURN, MA — A retired MMA fighter with a history of domestic violence who seriously beat his girlfriend last year until she crashed into a pole in Malden, then beat her again when she regained consciousness, pleaded guilty to attempted murder. James Armato, 28, of Stoneham, entered the plea Wednesday in Middlesex Superior Court, a release from Middlesex DA Marian Ryan's office said.

Armato was sentenced to five to seven years in State Prison on the charge of attempted murder. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of strangulation, assault and battery causing serious bodily injury, two counts of assault and battery, and resisting arrest.

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The charges stemmed from two domestic abuse incidents.

In November of 2015, Armato kept the victim from leaving his home during an argument, throwing her to the ground and strangling her, authorities said.

The attempted murder charge comes from May 15, 2016, when the vicim was driving Armato in Malden. During an argument Armato punched and choked her until she lost consciousness, crashing into a retaining wall and pole on Pleasant Street, police reports obtained by Patch said. When she awoke she attempted to flee, but Armato continued to beat and choke her.

Police said they approached as Armato was choking the victim up against a retaining wall. Members of the Malden Fire Department went to the woman's aid, but he Armato swung at and missed a firefighter.

It took multiple officers and firefighters to subdue and arrest an unruly Armato, police said. One officer reported smelling alcohol on him. Police said Armato continued to be very uncooperative and angry as he was being booked.

Police reported that Armato had calmed down a few hours later, saying he was unable to remember what happened and expressing concern for his girlfriend.

The victim told police at the time that she was driving him home in his car because he was too drunk to drive after a party. She sustained serious injuries including lacerations to her face, a fractured orbital bone and cracked teeth.

Patch does not identify victims in reports of domestic violence.

Records show that Armato was arrested in 2013 for alleged violence toward a different woman.

In addition to prison time, Armato faces three years of probation upon his release and must undergo a mental health and substance abuse evaluation, complete a certified batterers program, refrain from using drugs or alcohol, be subject to random screens, undergo counseling focused on domestic violence issues, and have no contact with the victim and members of her family.

A list of domestic violence resources is available here: http://middlesexda.com/faq/res...