WATCH – $50,000 Bail For Man Charged With Strangling Woman

37 year-old James Rogers appeared in Missoula Justice Court on Thursday charged with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor partner or family member assault for allegedly strangling his girlfriend to the point where she thought she was going to die.

According to court documents, the victim met with Missoula County sheriff's deputies at the police department on Wednesday, January 27 and said her boyfriend, James Rogers, 'hit her head on a bar stool and then strangled her. She stated she thought he was going to kill her, and that previously told her he had already killed two other people.'

Deputy County Attorney Jennifer Clark asked Judge Karen Orzech for $50,000 bail, due to the serious nature of the offense.

"It is alleged that the defendant strangled the victim and she was gasping for air, and was in fear of her life," Clark said. "As we know, strangling is highly lethal even days or years after the event. Given the serious nature of this event, the State would ask the court to set bail at $50,000."

Clark then referenced Rogers' lengthy criminal history. Judge Orzech set bail at $50,000, and remanded him back to the Missoula County Jail. His next court appearance will be February 12.