SEATTLE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Lummi man has been convicted of strangling his partner while on the reservation.

U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman says that 35-year-old Joseph Michael Quincy Jefferson was found guilty following a seven-day jury trial. Court documents state that the charges stem from the night of April 8, 2023, when Jefferson punched, pushed and strangled his live-in partner.

The woman blacked out twice as Jefferson held her down and strangled her.

After regaining consciousness, the woman ran from the home, calling a friend and neighbor for help.

The Lummi Nation Police Department and FBI investigated the case, where the woman made consistent reports about strangulation. During the trial, Jefferson claimed self-defense, but Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Lee said during closing arguments there is no evidence that he faced immediate use of unlawful force.

Jefferson has been in custody since his bond was revoked in October 2024 after continuing his contact with the woman, in violation with his pretrial release conditions.

Jefferson faces up to ten years in prison for the conviction.