Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks announces that a Reno man has been convicted of Domestic Battery by Strangulation and Battery by a Probationer. Anthony Selleck (dob 2/6/84) is set to be sentenced by the Honorable Scott Freeman on July 21st.
Deputies with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a domestic incident on December 16th, 2024 after the victim’s mother called 911, saying that every time she tried to call her daughter, Selleck would be heard screaming threats and would take the phone.
During the calls, Selleck could be heard saying things like that her family would never see the victim again. Law enforcement attempted to find the defendant and the victim by visiting known locations of Selleck’s, as well as cell phone triangulation. They found Selleck’s car at a location in Sparks, thanks to information from his probation officer. While there, the defendant arrived with the victim in her vehicle but fled the area, driving over a pedestrian walkway when he saw law enforcement. Because Selleck was driving too dangerously, the police didn’t pursue. They were eventually able to track the pair to Carson City, where the victim was able to escape from the defendant in a movie theatre parking lot before Selleck sped away.
In an interview with detectives that day, the victim shared that she had gone to pick up Selleck earlier that morning and while she was driving, he began to yell at her, before strangling her with his belt. She pulled the car over and they both got out and began arguing. Ultimately Selleck got back into the driver’s seat and convinced the victim to get into the passenger seat. They continued to argue, and he beat the victim before he began driving around. The victim texted her mother a code word they had established following a previous domestic battery incident with the defendant, which is when 911 was called
“This conviction reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting survivors and holding abusers accountable,” says DA Chris Hicks “Domestic violence cases are complex, and we recognize the courage it takes for victims to come forward under incredibly difficult circumstances. Our office will continue to pursue justice with compassion and determination, regardless of the challenges.”
During the trial, Deputy District Attorney Jenna Garcia argued that although the victim had been inconsistent in her statements as to what exactly happened in the vehicle. This was because she was in an abusive relationship with the defendant and he exerted significant power and control over her. The jury heard phone calls between the defendant and the victim where he berated her, called her names, and encouraged her not to participate in the trial. An expert testified as to the dynamics of power and control in a relationship that has domestic violence and explained why victims in these circumstances often recant and return to relationships with their abusers.
Selleck has prior Protection Orders against him, as well three misdemeanor Domestic Battery convictions, and five prior felony convictions, including two convictions for Robbery. The District Attorney’s Office intends to seek an enhanced habitual criminal sentence based on Selleck’s criminal history.
