Texas man allegedly strangled girlfriend to death during sex act

CHANNELVIEW, Texas (TCD) -- A 27-year-old man is in custody after allegedly fatally choking his girlfriend during a sex act called "erotic asphyxiation."

According to a news release from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, on Tuesday, March 21, at approximately 2:20 a.m., deputies responded to the 800 block of Ashland Boulevard to a report of an "unknown medical emergency."

At the scene, deputies reportedly found a female victim, identified by KPRC-TV as Deje Garett-Hillard. Court documents obtained by the news source allege that Jaaron Thomas applied "pressure to the neck and throat of Garett-Hillard with his hands."

The victim was transported to the hospital via ambulance, where she was pronounced dead, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Thomas, the victim’s boyfriend, reportedly told deputies that he and the victim "were engaged in a sex act described as 'erotic asphyxiation' when she went unresponsive."

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Thomas was booked into the Harris County Jail for manslaughter.

MORE:

• News Release, 835 Ashland Blvd — Harris County Sheriff’s Office
• Channelview man charged in death of girlfriend he claims was due to ‘erotic asphyxiation’ — KPRC