NORFOLK — A Norfolk jury found 25-year-old Christian Ellis Fontaine guilty Friday of strangling and abducting his then-girlfriend during a violent attack last November — and of continuing to harass her even after she secured a protective order.
Fontaine was convicted of strangulation, abduction, domestic assault, seven violations of a protective order, and possessing a firearm while under a protective order. The verdict followed a three-day trial in Norfolk Circuit Court.
The assault happened on the night of November 19, 2023. Prosecutors said Fontaine and the victim, who lived together at the time, got into an argument that escalated quickly. The victim began recording the incident on her phone. Fontaine pulled out a handgun, and when he noticed she was recording, he twisted her arm trying to take the phone. When she tried to get away, Fontaine strangled her until she couldn’t breathe and lost her vision. He did it again after forcing her onto the bed.
She managed to escape with a pre-packed bag while Fontaine was in another room. But as she tried to drive away, he chased her down, climbed on her car, and banged on the windshield. Unable to call 911, she drove straight to a friend’s place at Old Dominion University, where campus police stepped in.
Fontaine was arrested days later, but the harassment didn’t stop. Despite a court-ordered emergency protective order, he kept showing up at the victim’s home — even while armed, which is illegal under the order. Prosecutors said these repeated violations showed a disturbing pattern of control and disregard for the law.
Fontaine pleaded not guilty and opted for a jury trial. After two days of testimony, the jury reached a guilty verdict on all counts.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi praised the survivor for her courage:
“People who strangle their domestic partners are several times more likely to kill their domestic partners. That is why the General Assembly made strangulation a felony and why we focus resources on prosecuting this offense. We will continue to hold accountable people who endanger our citizens.”
Fontaine will be sentenced on May 23 by Judge Joseph C. Lindsey.