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Background: The home in Fredericksburg, Pa., where David Strause III was arrested (Google Maps). Inset: David Strause III (Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office).
A man from Pennsylvania has been taken into custody following allegations of assaulting his wife while he was preparing to face trial related to the death of their infant child.
David Strause III, aged 43, faces charges of aggravated assault among other accusations after an alleged attack on his spouse. According to a press release from the Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office, cited by The Lebanon Daily News, the incident unfolded early Tuesday morning. Strause’s wife dialed 911 around 1:30 a.m., claiming her husband was assaulting her. Pennsylvania State Police arrived at the couple’s Fredericksburg residence, where Strause engaged them in a prolonged standoff before surrendering at 9 a.m.
The Lebanon Daily News has reported that Strause was awaiting trial on involuntary manslaughter charges, stemming from the tragic asphyxiation death of their 3-month-old son in May 2024.
Details from the District Attorney reveal that the altercation began after Strause and his wife had been out drinking on the evening of February 1. A dispute erupted over her former boyfriend, leading to a confrontation at their home. Strause allegedly pushed his wife onto their bed and, when she attempted to rise, struck her in the face with a firearm, resulting in a bleeding lip.
The District Attorney further noted that Strause’s wife fled to the basement to call 911, with Strause in pursuit. During the emergency call, dispatchers reportedly overheard the couple arguing, with Strause shouting, “This is how you want it to end, get out!” He allegedly seized her cellphone and destroyed it.
As the wife fled the residence, she told police she heard gunshots. Police said they saw the wife’s car driving away when they arrived at the scene. They later said they found evidence that shots had been fired at the car.
According to the DA, “various departments remained staged on-scene for hours while they negotiated with Strause,” who “refused to exit or desist.” He surrendered at 9 a.m. and was taken into custody by Pennsylvania State Police.
According to the Lebanon Daily News, Strause and his wife were both charged with involuntary manslaughter after their 3-month-old son Gavin died of asphyxia on May 8, 2024. Police said the baby was put to sleep on his stomach and was found unresponsive in his crib. Paperwork illustrating safe sleeping practices for infants was found at the home.
Strause’s trial was scheduled to begin March 23.
Strause is being held at the Lebanon County Jail without bail. He was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and disorderly conduct. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 12.