BUSHWOOD, Md. — A Bushwood man is facing multiple assault charges after authorities say he threatened his pregnant partner with a kitchen knife and coerced her into signing over custody of their unborn child.
According to court records, deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call just after 11 p.m. on July 11, 2025, reporting a domestic disturbance at a residence on Owens Drive. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the victim, who was waiting outside in her vehicle. The woman, who will not be named to protect her identity, stated that her partner, 38-year-old David Strain, had brandished a kitchen knife and demanded she relinquish custody of their unborn child.
The woman told deputies the altercation began as a verbal argument when Strain became upset over a lack of cigars. The confrontation escalated when Strain allegedly grabbed a kitchen knife and told her, “Sign the child over to me or I will kill you,” while standing in close proximity and holding the weapon. Fearing for her life, the woman complied and signed a written note stating she would give custody to Strain after the baby’s birth.
Deputies entered the residence with the victim’s consent and found the note alongside the knife. Strain was located at the scene and questioned, but denied any physical threats, stating that the dispute was only verbal. He also denied the existence of the custody agreement. The note, however, corroborated the victim’s claims, and Strain was taken into custody without further incident.
Court documents indicate that Strain and the victim are in a relationship and typically cohabitate on weekends. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with first- and second-degree assault.
Strain appeared before Judge Karen Christy Holt Chesser on July 14 for a bond review hearing and was released on his own recognizance. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 7, 2025, in St. Mary’s County District Court.
If convicted of the felony first-degree assault charge, Strain could face up to 25 years in prison. The second-degree assault misdemeanor carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years and a $2,500 fine.
The case is being prosecuted by the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. The investigation remains active.
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Gurl…get out. Praying for your safety.
Over a baby that probably doesn’t even have his DNA ..Smh