Kentucky AG Secures 8-Year Sentence in Strangulation Case

AG: Kentucky News Releases

Filed March 13th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced that the Special Prosecutions Unit helped secure an 8-year prison sentence for Hunter Diel, who pleaded guilty to strangulation and assault charges. The offender has a violent criminal past and was sentenced in McCracken County Circuit Court.

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What changed

The Kentucky Attorney General's Office, through its Special Prosecutions Unit, announced the successful prosecution and sentencing of Hunter Diel, age 26, to eight years in prison. Diel pleaded guilty to Class D Felony Strangulation, 2nd Degree, Class A misdemeanor Assault 4th Degree, and being a Persistent Felony Offender. The charges stemmed from an incident in April 2025 where Diel assaulted and strangled the victim. The court also ordered Diel to have no contact with the victim, complete substance abuse treatment, and undergo a mental health assessment upon release.

This action highlights the state's commitment to prosecuting violent offenders, particularly in domestic violence cases. The McCracken County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation, with Assistant Attorney General Richie Kemp prosecuting the case. This outcome serves as a reminder of the serious legal consequences for violent crimes in Kentucky and the collaborative efforts between state and local law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for victims. Regulated entities in the legal and law enforcement sectors should note the emphasis on prosecuting such offenses and the court's focus on rehabilitation and victim protection measures.

What to do next

Review internal procedures for handling domestic violence and assault cases.
Ensure collaboration protocols with local law enforcement are robust.
Stay informed on state sentencing guidelines for violent felonies.

Penalties

8-year prison sentence, no contact with victim, mandatory substance abuse treatment and mental health assessment upon release.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General's Office Helps Secure Prison Sentence in Strangulation Case

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March. 13, 2026) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today action from the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit will send a violent offender back to prison following a domestic violence arrest.

Hunter Diel, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of Strangulation, 2 nd Degree (Class D Felony), Assault 4 th Degree (Class A misdemeanor), and being a Persistent Felony Offender.

According to charges filed in McCracken County Circuit Court, in April 2025, Diel slapped the victim across the face and strangled her by applying pressure to her throat using his hands. The Judge sentenced him to eight years. The Judge also ordered Diel to have no contact with the victim and upon release, complete substance abuse treatment and undergo a mental health assessment.

Click here for his photo.

“This is a man with a violent criminal past and we are grateful for our Western Kentucky partners who helped secure justice for the victim and put him back behind bars,” said Attorney General Coleman.

The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant Attorney General Richie Kemp prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.