Marina
In a chilling case of domestic violence, a Kansas woman’s courageous act at a Nebraska Walmart led to the arrest of her boyfriend.
The incident occurred on October 28, 2025, around 5:45 p.m., when deputies from the Gage County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report at the Diamond T Truck Stop Camper Row on U.S. Highway 77 just north of Beatrice, Nebraska.
The victim, a 47-year-old woman from Hutchinson, Kansas, reported that her 31-year-old boyfriend, identified as Justis Barnhouse, had strangled her five to six times that afternoon, and then prevented her from leaving for two days as she attempted to retrieve her belongings from a camper.
According to the report, Barnhouse had also taken her cellphone to prevent her from calling for help.
The breakthrough came when the woman and Barnhouse visited a local Walmart in Beatrice. Inside the store, the woman discreetly asked a Walmart employee to follow her to the bathroom.
There, she told the employee what had happened and asked for assistance. The employee alerted authorities, who arrived and arrested Barnhouse without incident.
He was booked into the Gage County Detention Center on charges of assault by strangulation and third-degree domestic assault, with two prior convictions noted.
Key Facts & Figures
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | October 28, 2025, ~5:45 p.m. |
| Location of initial assault | Diamond T Truck Stop Camper Row, U.S. HWY 77, north of Beatrice, NE |
| Victim | 47-year-old woman from Hutchinson, Kansas |
| Accused | 31-year-old Justis Barnhouse |
| Number of strangulation attempts | 5 to 6 times that afternoon |
| Duration prevented from leaving | ~2 days |
| Phone confiscated | Yes, victim’s cellphone taken |
| Store location where help was sought | Walmart, Beatrice, Nebraska |
| Method of alert | Victim asked employee to follow to restroom and report |
| Charges filed | Assault by strangulation; 3rd-degree domestic assault with two priors |
| Arrest location | At the truck stop, via Gage County deputies |
Detailed Breakdown of Events
1. The Assault & Capture of Phone
The victim told deputies that during the afternoon of October 28, Barnhouse struck her and strangled her five to six times. At some point, he seized her cellphone, effectively blocking her from calling 911 or other help.
During the next two days, he would not allow her to leave while she attempted to gather her belongings from the camper to head back home to Kansas.
2. Trip to Walmart & Silent Signal for Help
Eventually the pair went to the Walmart in Beatrice. The victim, aware of the urgency, triggered a silent alert: she caught the attention of a Walmart employee, and asked the employee to accompany her to the bathroom. Once inside, she disclosed the abuse and raised an alarm.
This brave move and the employee’s response turned the tide.
3. Law Enforcement Response & Arrest
Acting on the Walmart employee’s call, deputies from the Gage County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the truck stop and took Barnhouse into custody without incident.
He faces charges of assault by strangulation, and third-degree domestic assault—the latter with two prior convictions noted by authorities. He was lodged in the Gage County Detention Center.
Why This Case Matters
- Empowerment through Awareness: The victim’s decision to ask for help quietly underscores the importance of recognizing non-verbal or subtle signals in domestic violence situations.
- Role of Bystanders & Employees: The Walmart employee acted appropriately and swiftly — demonstrating how non-law-enforcement personnel can play a crucial role.
- Importance of Immediate Action: The fact that Barnhouse had controlled the victim’s phone and restricted her movement shows how dire domestic abuse situations can escalate rapidly, making timely intervention vital.
- Legal Significance: Charges of assault by strangulation are serious and may carry heavier penalties, and noting prior convictions indicates elevated risk.
This case from Gage County serves as a powerful reminder that bravery, awareness, and swift action can disrupt and stop an abusive situation.
A Kansas woman’s calculated move to involve a Walmart employee, combined with the employee’s willingness to act, resulted in the arrest of her alleged abuser and potentially saved her life.
It also highlights how ordinary people — when alert and proactive — can become catalysts for justice and safety.
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, remember: help exists—and every small step toward reaching out can make a big difference.