Man admits he choked mom unconscious because she changed the channel

David Cantrell pleaded guilty in Northampton County Court to a charge of strangulation.

A Moore Township man admitted Thursday he choked his mother until she passed out because she changed the channel on their television.

David Cantrell Courtesy photo 

David Cantrell, 42, pleaded guilty to strangulation, a new law passed this year that makes it a crime to apply pressure to someone's throat to cause serious injury.

In January he became enraged when his mother changed the channel at their home in the 2700 block of Jean Drive.

Police said he punched her, picked her up, slammed her on the floor and choked her until she lost consciousness.

Son brutally beat mom for changing TV channel

He allegedly told her "I hope you die." Police said the mother feared for her life. She eventually broke free and ran to neighbors for help.

Charges of simple assault and harassment were dropped as part of the plea deal.

Cantrell will be sentenced July 25 by Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano. That will allow time for a mental health evaluation.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.