Aryan Brotherhood member gets 80 years for choking girlfriend

A known member of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas was sentenced to 80 years in prison this week for choking his girlfriend last fall.

Neighbors alerted police Oct. 22 that Christopher Patrick Farr, 44, was assaulting his girlfriend in his home. Fort Worth police learned that she had been choked unconscious and that Farr had been holding her hostage the week leading up to the assault, according to Tarrant County officials.

This week, a Tarrant County jury found Farr guilty of assaulting a family member by impeding the victim’s breathing, a felony.

“Choking is a clear escalation on the part of the attacker,” Tarrant County prosecutor Tim Rodgers said in a statement. “He wasn’t intending to scare her or to hurt her; he had the clear intent of endangering or taking her life.

“So often citizens are afraid to intervene when it comes to domestic violence, and it is to the credit of Farr’s neighbors that they alerted the police to the situation. This victim very likely owes them her life.” Rodgers said.

Rodgers and Julie Harbin prosecuted the case. They are assistant district attorneys.

“We were fortunate to have a jury that understood the seriousness of domestic violence and wanted to send a clear message with their verdict against Farr,” Rodgers said. “A strong show of support for the victims in these cases can be instrumental in regaining their confidence and moving forward after escaping a violent relationship.”

Monica S. Nagy

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Aryan Brotherhood member gets 80 years for choking girlfriend."