A Marion County man accused of choking a woman during an argument will spend the next five years in prison after jurors found him guilty of domestic battery by strangulation.
Last week, a one-day trial ended with jurors finding 38-year-old Kevin Thomas McDonough guilty of the battery charge. Immediately following the conviction, a Marion County judge sentenced McDonough to five years in the Florida Department of Corrections.
Back on August 12, 2025, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a local residence to investigate a domestic violence incident. The female victim advised that a man, identified as McDonough, “has a history of violence with her in their relationship,” according to the arrest report.
Specifically, the victim reported that McDonough had choked her during a heated argument that occurred in May 2025. The report stated that the victim had pictures that were taken shortly after the incident, which showed “red marks and scrapes on her throat and neck region.”
The deputy noted that the victim’s injuries “appear(ed) to be fresh and recent.”
During the ensuing investigation, MCSO received video footage from the victim, which showed McDonough and the victim arguing in her bedroom on May 23, 2025. Nearly 40 seconds into the video, McDonough reportedly used his right hand to “violently grab” the victim’s neck before pushing her down onto the bed, according to the report.
McDonough then reportedly climbed on top of the victim, grasped her with both hands, and pushed her down in an aggressive manner. The victim then fell to the floor, where McDonough continued to choke her.
According to the report, the incident ended when a minor child ran into the room and yelled at McDonough to get off the victim.
On August 27, 2025, an arrest warrant was obtained for McDonough. A little over a week later, McDonough was apprehended and booked into Marion County Jail, where he remained in custody while awaiting trial.