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Fight Over Water Heater Lands Winfield Man In Jail On Child Abuse, Assault Charges

Winfield, Mo. — What allegedly started as an argument over a water heater inside a Winfield home ended with a juvenile injured, visible marks documented by police, and a Winfield man now sitting in the Lincoln County Jail facing multiple criminal charges.


Police say the fight became physical after an argument inside the residence escalated Thursday evening.

William Joseph Zurweller III, of Winfield, MO.


Mugshot of William Joseph Zurweller III of Winfield MO
Zurweller remains in custody at the Lincoln County Jail after Judge Michael Jacobs issued a $10,000 cash-only warrant. No court date has been scheduled.

Charges:

• Domestic Assault — 2nd Degree

• Domestic Assault — 4th Degree — 1st or 2nd Offense

• Abuse or Neglect of a Child

Police say the juvenile told officers the argument escalated after Zurweller allegedly picked up a cellphone and threw it, leading to a physical altercation between the two.


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During the struggle, Zurweller allegedly took the juvenile to the ground, placed one hand around the victim’s neck, and attempted to poke the juvenile’s eyes with the other hand.


Another person inside the home reportedly heard yelling, came out of a bedroom, and found the juvenile lying on their back with Zurweller on top of them.


Officers documented multiple visible injuries on the juvenile, including cuts and abrasions to the face area, red marks around the neck, and what appeared to be bite marks near the fingers.


Zurweller also reportedly had scratches and marks on his arms and back.


Police say Zurweller claimed the juvenile entered his bedroom and attacked him first during the confrontation.


After the arrest, Zurweller was transported to Mercy Lincoln Hospital for medical clearance before being taken to the Lincoln County Jail.


During transport, Zurweller allegedly became verbally combative with officers and repeatedly demanded officers remove his handcuffs.


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All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


If you have corrections or additional information regarding this case, contact Lincoln CountyWatch at tips@LincolnCountyWatch.com or call/text 636-377-0201.


Lincoln CountyWatch is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency.


Story by John Eads


Sources:


• Lincoln County Circuit Court records


• Winfield Police Department probable cause statement

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