Burrillville domestic violence suspect has prior conviction

BURRILLVILLE, R.I. – Stephen Morin is behind bars for a crime ABC6 News has learned he is no stranger to committing.

Burrillville Police say Morin viciously beat his ex-girlfriend when she tried to leave him Sunday night, strangling her and throwing her to the ground after she went to get her stuff from his apartment.

The victim had a no contact order and Morin was not supposed to be home, according to police.

“That kind of speaks to the volatility of these types of cases,” explained Police Chief Col. Stephen Lynch. “Somebody that is willing to beat their partner…to me is nothing more than a bully.”

The victim has since been released from the hospital and is recovering.

Morin is connected to a dozen domestic cases, according to Lynch. His first domestic violence charge dates back to 2009, according to court documents.

Morin was convicted of domestic simple assault in 2016, after pleading no contest.

Lynch says in many domestic violence cases, the victims ultimately drop the charges – terrified to testify in court. “There are some cases that will go forward without the victims’ cooperation, but to be honest that’s not the majority,” Lynch said.

Morin is being held without bail until his next court date in October.

© WLNE-TV 2018