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Man sought in woman's near-choking

By Times Staff Writer
Published July 13, 2005

TAMPA - Sheriff's investigators say Curtis Lee Smith, recently accused in two cases of domestic violence, tried twice to strangle an ex-girlfriend after she asked him to leave her home Saturday afternoon.

They have warrants to arrest Smith, 25, on one count of attempted felony murder and two counts of tampering with a victim or witness.

County records show Smith already is wanted on an outstanding warrant, after he failed to show up in court last month on misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief and obstructing an officer without violence.

Smith's ex-girlfriend, Marquesa Roeshaun Blunt, 21, let Smith stay overnight Friday in her home, 2905 Ramada Drive in north Tampa, and asked him to leave Saturday. He refused, and the two began arguing, said sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter.

Smith tried to strangle Blunt, scratching her neck and chin until she broke free and tried to dial 911, Carter said. But Smith grabbed the phone and tried to strangle Blunt with the cord, according to a sheriff's report.

Blunt got away, ran to a neighbor's home and called 911. Smith ran off, Carter said.

According to county court records, two other women have sought domestic and dating violence injunctions within the past two months to force Smith to stay away from them.

Anyone with information about Smith is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-873-8477.

[Last modified July 13, 2005, 00:08:08]