By Chris Post / Editor-In-Chief

A Marshall man faces two counts of first-degree rape and two counts of second-degree domestic assault following allegations that he repeatedly sexually assaulted and strangled his former girlfriend during their relationship in 2025.

Gabriel Alexander Riley was charged Oct. 6 in Saline County Circuit Court. According to court documents, the alleged offenses occurred between May and September 2025. Riley was arrested the same day, and a judge ordered him held without bond.

The charges were filed by Saline County Prosecuting Attorney Timothy Thompson. The two rape charges involve alleged incidents in May and July 2025, while the domestic assault charges stem from incidents on Sept. 16 and Sept. 23, 2025.

According to a probable cause statement prepared by law enforcement officer Mark Pitts, the alleged victim told investigators Riley had physically and sexually assaulted her throughout much of their relationship.

The woman described three incidents in which Riley allegedly forced her to engage in sexual activity without her consent. She told investigators that during an incident in May 2025, Riley carried her from the kitchen floor to a bedroom following an argument and sexually assaulted her despite her repeated objections.

She reported another incident around July 15, 2025, when Riley allegedly forced her to have intercourse after she told him she did not want to. The woman said she cried during the assault, but Riley continued.

The probable cause statement also describes an incident around July 22, 2025, when the woman said Riley continued sexual activity after she withdrew her consent. Prosecutors filed two counts of first-degree rape, one for May and another for July.

Investigators also documented allegations of two violent encounters in September.

According to the statement, Riley allegedly struck the woman during an argument Sept. 16 before placing both hands around her throat and repeatedly restricting her breathing. The woman reported briefly losing consciousness during the assault.

She provided investigators with photographs showing bruising around her neck. She also reported experiencing difficulty breathing and soreness for several days afterward.

A second alleged strangulation occurred Sept. 23 during an argument over Riley’s suspicions that the woman had been unfaithful. According to the statement, Riley pinned her down and choked her before eventually releasing her.

The woman told investigators she obtained an order of protection against Riley following that incident.

The probable cause statement also describes threats Riley allegedly made against the woman, including a threat to kill her and dispose of her body in the Salt Fork River.

Investigators reported obtaining additional information from a witness who confronted Riley about the allegations.

According to the witness’s account, Riley admitted striking and choking the woman until she lost consciousness. The witness also reported that Riley acknowledged engaging in sexual intercourse with the woman on multiple occasions when he knew she did not consent.

The witness described journals allegedly belonging to Riley that contained apologies and references to the assaults.

Pitts said he reviewed photographs of the journal entries, which included expressions of guilt, references to the alleged victim and statements concerning Riley’s behavior.

In requesting an arrest warrant, Pitts raised concerns about the woman’s safety and Riley’s potential danger to the community.

The probable cause statement indicates the woman answered yes to 10 of 19 questions in a domestic violence lethality and risk assessment. Pitts said the responses indicated an elevated risk of further serious violence.

Pitts also cited Riley’s alleged threats, references to violence in the journals and concerns that he might not appear voluntarily in court.

Associate Circuit Judge W. Page Bellamy issued an arrest warrant Oct. 6, ordering Riley detained without bond pending further court action.

The warrant states the court found that no combination of nonmonetary conditions and monetary conditions would adequately ensure the safety of the community or another person.

A return of service filed with the court indicates the warrant was served Oct. 6.

First-degree rape carries potentially lengthy prison sentences under Missouri law, while second-degree domestic assault is a Class D felony punishable by up to seven years in prison.

The charges are allegations. Riley is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.