Shawn M. Grate's criminal background includes violent domestic incident with woman

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - Shawn Michael Grate, 40, was arrested Tuesday and charged with abduction after police discovered a woman and three bodies in Ashland and Mansfield. His criminal record before Tuesday's charge spans over about six years, but the charges are for misdemeanors.

The following is information from the Crawford and Mansfield Municipal Courts.

• 2007: Falsification, identity, obstruction theft in Crawford County
• 2008: Child custody case
• 2009: Possession of marijuana
• 2010: Domestic violence
• 2012: Divorce from ex-wife Amber Nicole Grate
• 2013: Arrested for receiving stolen property
• 2014: Arrested for drug paraphernalia
• 2016: Arrested in Mansfield for a warrant out of Crawford county

One particular incident in 2010 -- the domestic violence charge -- includes a violent incident with a former girlfriend.

Grate's girlfriend at the time told police that they had been arguing on and off all day on May 8, 2010 when Grate flipped her over the foot of the bed and hit her in the face twice. Grate went on to grab her by the throat and sit on her, according to reports. Police said Grate allowed her to get up to wash her face, but then grabbed her again by the throat and told her not to leave the bathroom or he would "beat her face in." That's when police arrived and arrested Grate.

• Related Stories: Ashland police hold news conference
• Son fears Ashland body is his mom; family upset with police
• Authorities: Suspect in found bodies investigation had squatted at Mansfield scene

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