Pleasant Prairie man charged with strangling girlfriend

PLEASANT PRAIRIE -- A Kenosha County man faces multiple charges for allegedly strangling his then-pregnant girlfriend. The charges against Peter Mohr include strangulation and suffocation, misdemeanor battery, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.

The baby girl died, shortly after birth. She was born four months premature.

The criminal complaint says back on Friday, June 22nd, Mohr and his girlfriend, an 18-year-old woman named Brittany, got into an argument that led to a physical altercation. The victim told police Mohr "pushed her into the bathroom and that she struck the toilet with her hip." She then apparently hit Mohr in the mouth because she was trying to get away from him.

Moments later, the complaint indicates Mohr then "put his right hand on (the victim's) throat and pushed her causing her pain." He then "picked up her by her throat and threw her to the ground causing her to hit her head on the hardwood floor." While on the floor, the complaint says Mohr "put his hands around her throat and choked her neck." The victim told police "she could not breathe and that she could not yell out while this was happening."

Mohr then apparently left the house -- later to be picked up and arrested during a traffic stop. The complaint says Mohr denied to police that he choked his girlfriend, saying she "must have choked herself."

FOX6 News spoke with Brittany's parents, who say they are heartbroken for many reasons.

Brittany's mother, Sherrie Mika broke down as she struggled with the loss of her granddaughter, Mariah. Born four months premature, loved ones watched as the baby clung to life.

"I was devastated. The baby was innocent. The baby was born with over 80% of its body covered in bruises," Sherrie said.

According to Sherrie and Milo Mika, a history of potential trauma could have led to the baby's death.

Sherrie said she learned of the incident for which Mohr is charged through a phone call.

"She had 43 bruises from head to toe," Sherrie said.

Mohr is also accused of similar domestic violence acts while Brittany was a minor.

"He's abused her on a regular basis," Sherrie said.

It's a pattern and situation Sherrie prays Brittany will get out of.

As co-executive director of the Sojourner Family Peace Center, Carmen Pitre helps victims of domestic violence, and says the abused need to know their options.

"If you are a victim or survivor, you need to keep reaching out, so find a safe person -- a friend, a family member, church member or pastor -- someone you can confide in and ask for help. It`s important for victims to know they are not alone," Pitre said.

Sherrie says she has tried to help Brittany find the strength to break the cycle, but after such a tragedy, she's hoping Brittany's story can save a life.

"If we can't help our daughter, I hope this helps some other girl or woman with what they're going through," Sherrie said.

Brittany was treated and released at the hospital, but as of Wednesday evening, Sherrie and Milo Mika had not heard from her and still feared for her safety.

If convicted of the charges, Mohr faces up to six years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Anyone who is dealing with domestic violence issues is urged to contact the Sojourner Peace Center for resources that can help.