A Port Townsend man who strangled his girlfriend, prevented her from escaping during a violent confrontation, and later tried to mislead authorities about his identity has been sentenced to more than two years in prison, prosecutors said.
Pedro Francisco Munoz-Renteria was sentenced Friday, March 13, in Jefferson County Superior Court to 29 months in custody followed by 18 months of probation, according to the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges stem from a series of incidents in November and December 2025 involving his intimate partner in Port Townsend. According to prosecutors, the most serious incident occurred Nov. 17, 2025, at the couple’s shared residence.
Munoz-Renteria became enraged during an argument and strangled the victim with both hands, pressing his thumbs against her throat, according to prosecutors.
The victim reported losing consciousness briefly and experiencing blurred vision, breathing difficulty, and other symptoms consistent with strangulation.
Authorities said Munoz-Renteria also prevented the victim from leaving the bedroom by blocking her path and repeatedly pushing her back onto the bed as she attempted to escape.
Second Assault At Fort Worden
Another incident occurred Dec. 11, 2025, when Munoz-Renteria allegedly struck the victim in the face twice, prosecutors said.
Later that afternoon, the pair went for a walk at Fort Worden State Park in an attempt to reconcile. While there, the victim mouthed the words “Please call the police” to a witness, who contacted authorities, according to prosecutors.
Port Townsend police responded and used a drone to help locate the couple inside the park.
Munoz-Renteria fled but was later located sitting in a vehicle at a nearby residence and taken into custody. He reportedly resisted arrest and later gave false information to jail staff while impersonating himself as another person.
Guilty Plea
Munoz-Renteria ultimately pleaded guilty to several charges, including second-degree assault involving strangulation, unlawful imprisonment, criminal impersonation, fourth-degree assault, and making a false or misleading statement to a public servant.
“The courage shown by the victim in coming forward, combined with the diligent work of law enforcement and our office, resulted in this meaningful sentence,” said Deputy Prosecutor Holly Graham.
Prosecutors said the victim received support services following the incidents, including assistance through Dove House.
Jefferson County Prosecutor James Kennedy credited both a witness and police officers for helping bring the case forward.
“Without the witness calling 911 and then the fast response of the Port Townsend Police, we could not have prosecuted these cases, and the victim would still be in danger,” Kennedy said.
As part of his sentence, Munoz-Renteria must complete substance abuse treatment and Domestic Violence Moral Reconation Therapy.
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