Washburn man charged after allegedly choking ex-wife, stomping kitten to death

A Washburn man allegedly choked a Monett woman and stomped her kitten to death Friday, according to a probable cause statement filed today in Barry County Circuit Court.

An arrest warrant was issued for James Matthew Richmond (DOB 1984) with no bond, who has been charged with second-degree domestic assault and animal abuse, both felonies.

From the probable cause statement:

On 06/26/2026 at approximately 19:48 hours, a domestic disturbance ensued between V1 and James Richmond. 

During the disturbance. James knowingly and unlawfully grabbed V1 by what V1 described as her "Windpipe" which she referred to as her throat. While James sternly grabbed V1's throat, V1 believed that she "could have went out at any time", referring to V1 losing consciousness because she couldn’t breathe. 

V1 stated she was in fear for her life and that James was going to kill her if she did not get away. V1 was able to get free and left the residence to her neighbors to call 911.

While the domestic disturbance was occurring, James proceeded to kick a kennel that contained a black kitten, across the room multiple times and then stomped on the kennel after V1 heard James's yell "I'll kill the kittens," which ultimately caused the black kitten to become deceased.

V1 and James have been previously married with a history of domestic violence in the past. V1
also stated if James came back "He'd kill her."

The case was investigated by the Barry County Sheriff's Office.