Local chiropractor found guilty of domestic abuse

Published 9:43 pm Thursday, October 3, 2013

David Lee Killen, 42, president, CEO and chiropractor at the Spine and Joint Center of Washington Parish in Bogalusa, was convicted of domestic abuse battery involving strangulation last week, according to District Attorney Walter Reed.

22nd Judicial District Judge A. J. Hand presided over the three-day judge trial before finding the defendant guilty on Sept. 26. He will sentence Killen today.

Domestic violence involving strangulation is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years. Killen, who has a prior conviction for unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling in 2006, could face up to six years in prison if found to be a multiple offender.

The chiropractor, a Covington resident, was arrested by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in March 2012 after an adult female was reportedly battered.

Killen and the victim were at home when he attacked her, leaving strangulation marks on her neck, according to Reed. The victim posted photographs of the marks on a social media site, and when Killen saw the pictures he called police portraying himself as innocent, Reed said.

During the trial, other people testified that they had been previously mistreated by Killen.

Assistant District Attorneys Jack Hoffstadt and Julie Knight were in charge of preparation and presentation of the state’s case.

“Domestic violence is a cancer on our society,” Reed said. “This felony conviction should send a clear message that violence is never the answer to disagreements.”