Teen College Student Arrested for Strangling Classmate After Being Blocked Online

A University of Missouri student is facing serious charges after allegedly attacking another student for blocking him on Snapchat.

According to court documents, 18-year-old Maxwell Warren has been charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree domestic assault, second-degree domestic assault, and fourth-degree domestic assault.

Investigators say the incident happened on September 26, when Warren went to the victim’s dorm room after being blocked on Snapchat. When the student slightly opened the door, Warren allegedly forced his way in, shoved the student onto a bed, and began strangling them.

While choking the victim, Warren allegedly said, “What do you think you are doing? You need to add me back right now.” The attack reportedly left a visible red mark in the shape of a hand.

The victim later unblocked Warren on Snapchat, according to the probable cause statement. Two days afterward, Warren allegedly messaged the victim on Instagram, writing, “I remember getting really upset once or twice when I choked you,” followed by, “I feel awful, you deserve so much better.”

On September 30, the two spoke again via Snapchat, and when the victim mentioned the earlier assault, Warren allegedly replied, “I would do it again, I …ing hate you, I would gladly beat your ass.”

A second incident reportedly occurred on October 29, when Warren visited the victim’s dorm room once more. After his advances were rejected, he allegedly strangled the victim until they briefly lost consciousness. Later that same day, another altercation was reported in a campus parking lot, where Warren allegedly pushed someone to the ground before a bystander intervened.

University officials confirmed that Warren has been banned from campus pending the outcome of the investigation. “The university does not tolerate acts of violence and holds accountable anyone found to violate the law or university policies,” said Christopher Ave, the school’s director of media relations and public affairs, in a statement to The Kansas City Star.

Warren has pleaded not guilty. His bond hearing is scheduled for November 10, and a preliminary hearing is set for December 9. His attorney has not responded to requests for comment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7 at the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org. All calls are free and confidential.