(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)
UPDATE (March 18, 2026, 6:56 p.m.): The defendant in this case, Clifton M. Hopkins, has been found not guilty on all charges following a jury trial in Kenosha County.
KENOSHA, Wis. – Clifton M. Hopkins, 35, was in court today after prosecutors alleged he carried out a violent domestic attack that left a woman with severe bruising across her body, swollen lips, blood on her mouth, and injuries so extensive that officers described her as “emotionally distraught” and barely coherent. Court Commissioner William Michel II ordered Hopkins held on $7,000 cash bail, with a preliminary hearing set for October 15.
According to the criminal complaint, police were called to the 35th Avenue residence late on October 3 after the victim’s brother reported a fight. When officers entered the basement, they found the space in disarray, with furniture tossed and belongings scattered, consistent with what they believed was a prolonged physical struggle. The victim had dark bruises under her eye, marks around her neck and chest, scratches across her body, and bite wounds to her hand and face. Despite her condition, she initially refused medical treatment and resisted cooperating with investigators.
The woman told police that Hopkins, who had been drinking heavily, became enraged when food he was grilling was overcooked. Over several hours, the argument escalated until Hopkins struck her in the face with such force that she fell backward. She said he then mounted her, wrapped his hands around her neck, and choked her until she lost consciousness. When she came to, Hopkins allegedly kept attacking, putting her in a headlock that cut off her breathing and biting her in the process. Throughout the assault, she said he screamed profanities and accused her of calling the police.
Hopkins is charged with felony strangulation and suffocation, felony intimidation of a victim, misdemeanor battery, and disorderly conduct. If convicted, he faces more than 16 years in prison and over $46,000 in fines. Prosecutors emphasized that Hopkins is a repeat domestic violence offender, with prior convictions in 2017 and 2020.
UPDATE (March 18, 2026, 6:56 p.m.): A Kenosha County jury returned not guilty verdicts on all four counts against Clifton M. Hopkins, resulting in a full acquittal and dismissal of the case.
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3 Responses
This dude clearly needs a mental health exam! I hope the woman has nothing more to do with him! He is a monster when he drinks!
Prison for life. Stop letting these animals out.
This man has done unspeakable things to women and their children. Check his record, he should have been locked up for many years but always seems to be let off easy. I hope and pray this woman gets the justice the rest of us haven’t.