BJ Whitmer Sentenced Over Domestic Violence Case
BJ Whitmer enters an Alford plea, against his victim's wishes
Mar 6, 2024
Former AEW producer and Ring of Honor wrestler BJ Whitmer has been sentenced to five years probation and 120 days home incarceration in relation to the domestic violence case against him, SE Scoops' BJ Bethel has reported. Whitmer will also have to complete a Batterer's Intervention Program and he will be subject to an Interpersonal Protective Order.
Whitmer was arrested on June 4, 2023, in Boone County, Kentucky and indicted on charges of first-degree strangulation and second-degree burglary, both of which are class-c felonies. Police reports noted that Whitmer broke into his ex-girlfriend's home and waited for her to come home. When she did arrive at her home, Whitmer allegedly threw her on the couch and strangled her. The victim later told Fox 19 Cincinnati that she was "literally fighting for her life" during the attack.
Whitmer took an Alford plea which means that he maintains his innocence while acknowledging there is enough evidence against him that he could face a possible conviction in a jury trial. The felony can be struck from his criminal record in five years.
The prosecution explained why an Alford plea was offered, saying: "During the pendency of this case the Commonwealth was provided with a significant amount of reciprocal discovery. Due to this discovery and other events the Commonwealth was required to reevaluate its position."
Fightful, who have spoken directly to the victim, noted she was not in support of the Alford plea and she read a victim impact statement to communicate her concerns to the judge.
BJ Whitmer was fired by All Elite Wrestling following his arrest. He had worked as a coach and producer in the promotion since its founding in 2019. Whitmer had several runs in Ring of Honor from 2003 as a wrestler and backstage agent before joining AEW.