Police: Saugus man strangled new wife

LYNN – A judge ordered a Saugus man held without bail Thursday after police said the defendant strangled his new wife until he was interrupted by his father-in-law.But a defense attorney said the alleged victim denied anything happened beyond an argument.Ryan Shepard, 33, of 26 Waban St., Saugus, was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a family/household member; and domestic assault and battery, strangulation or suffocation; at 1:14 a.m. Thursday. He was arraigned on the charges (which were included in the domestic violence legislation signed by Gov. Deval Patrick last week) later Thursday in Lynn District Court where a plea of not guilty was entered on the defendant’s behalf.Saugus Police reported responding to a Prospect Street address where the alleged victim said she and Shepard had an argument, he left, and she was worried the defendant would return and hurt her, Saugus Police Officer Michael Nicolo wrote in a report.Police noted no injuries on the alleged victim, who insisted the couple had only argued previously.The father of the alleged victim, however, told police he saw Shepard on top of his daughter in her bedroom.”Once he said this (the alleged victim) started to cry heavily again and admitted that Shepard had her pinned down on her bed,” police reported. “She stated that he had both hands around her neck and was squeezing. She stated she could not breathe.”The alleged victim said the alleged assault ended when her father came into the room, according to police. But police noted the alleged victim refused to write a statement and didn’t want to press charges. Police reported finding and arresting Shepard without incident.Essex Assistant District Attorney Erin Bellavia requested that Shepard be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing. She requested a continuance because the commonwealth had not been able to contact the alleged victim or witness.Judge Joseph Jennings found probable cause for the commonwealth’s request and ordered Shepard held without bail until a dangerousness hearing Tuesday.Defense attorney Russell Sobelman said Thursday evening that he was “very disappointed” Shepard was held, considering the alleged victim told police three times that there was only a verbal argument. He also said she denied originally calling police or telling police that Shepard had strangled her.He said he hoped Shepard would be released on personal recognizance Tuesday.