Boyfriend Who Strangled His Romantic Partner Pleads Guilty

           WASHINGTON – Marcus Hazel, 32, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to strangling his romantic partner Sandy Watts, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

           Hazel pleaded guilty today in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to a charge of strangulation. A Superior Court judge released the defendant today over the government’s objection pending sentencing, which is set for March 20, 2026.

           According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 9:00 a.m., on November 28, 2025, the defendant and Ms. Watts were at an apartment in the 2700 block of New York Avenue, NE, when Hazel became angry about losing his cell phone. Ms. Watts offered to let the defendant use her cell phone until his was found or he bought a new one. Hazel became upset by this response and told Ms. Watts he did not want to use her phone. He wanted her to buy him a new cell phone. He began cursing at Ms. Watts and arguing with her. She asked the defendant several times to leave the apartment. He then placed both hands around Ms. Watts’ neck, applying pressure and restricting her ability to breathe. After that, he slammed the victim to the floor and continued applying pressure to her neck with both hands, again restricting her breathing. By the time Hazel released her, the victim had nearly lost consciousness. He then fled the scene on foot.

The defendant was arrested on November 29, 2025, and has been in custody ever since. 

           Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffrey W. Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.

           The case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.

           The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elias Feldman of the Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

           2025 CF3 016192