A Montana man remained behind bars Wednesday facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors allege he spent five days torturing his girlfriend at her parents' residence in Rock Springs, Wyoming, threatening to kill the woman and her family while inflicting severe physical harm over multiple days in late May and early June.
Jake Thomas Canestrini, 24, is accused of subjecting his girlfriend of approximately three years to repeated violence beginning on May 30, when her parents departed for travel, leaving the couple alone at their home roughly 260 miles west of Cheyenne, according to a criminal affidavit obtained by Cowboy State Daily.
Background
The alleged ordeal unfolded over five days as Canestrini allegedly prevented his girlfriend from leaving the residence, repeatedly throwing her to the ground and holding her down for extended periods, investigators said. The victim told law enforcement she attempted multiple times to flee but was yanked back by her hair each time she tried to stand.
As the days progressed, prosecutors allege the violence intensified significantly. Court documents detail how Canestrini allegedly held a knife to his girlfriend's throat while issuing chilling threats including statements that he would kill her, her cat, and her entire family if she contacted police. The affidavit quotes him as saying: "I will murder your f—ing family if you get the cops involved. I will wait 20 years so I can kill you."
The Investigation
According to Sweetwater County arrest records reviewed by Law&Crime, investigators documented multiple forms of alleged abuse during the captivity period. The victim reported being cut with a razor blade on her thighs, hips, stomach, and arm. She also stated she was stabbed in the back and buttock with a fork. Medical examination revealed a concussion and extensive trauma including bruising across much of her body, facial injuries, and damage to her arms, shoulders, legs, and knees.
The complaint further alleges Canestrini repeatedly strangled the victim during multiple incidents, causing her to lose her breath and fear for her life each time. On June 2, he allegedly contacted her place of employment to inform them she would not be coming in, effectively isolating her from any outside contact or escape opportunity.
Investigators also documented alleged cruelty to animals. The affidavit states Canestrini grabbed the victim's cat, squeezing it violently while the animal cried out. When she begged him to stop, he allegedly lifted the feline by its throat and slammed it against the floor, telling her: "I will treat this cat however the f— I want."
Canestrini was arrested on June 16. He has been charged with one count each of kidnapping, strangulation of a household member, interference with a peace officer, and cruelty to animals, along with three counts each of aggravated assault and battery and domestic battery.
Key Takeaways
- Canestrini allegedly held his girlfriend captive for five days while her parents were traveling out of town
- The victim suffered a documented concussion along with extensive bruising and multiple cuts from alleged razor blade attacks
- Investigators allege the defendant made detailed threats to murder both the victim and her entire family, stating he would wait decades to carry out such violence
- Animal cruelty charges stem from alleged abuse of the victim's cat during the captivity period
- The accused reportedly contacted his girlfriend's employer on June 2 to further isolate her from potential rescuers
What's Next
Canestrini pleaded not guilty last week to all charges filed in Sweetwater County. His trial is scheduled to begin on November 2, where he faces substantial prison time if convicted on the multiple felony counts including kidnapping and aggravated assault. The case remains under investigation by the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office.