Artem Chigvintsev Cleared of Domestic Violence Charges, Claims DA Due to Insufficient Evidence

Nikki Garcia’s estranged spouse, Artem Chigvintsev, will not face domestic violence charges following his August arrest due to insufficient evidence. Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley provided clarity in a press release on Tuesday, September 25, stating that while they treat every domestic violence arrest “seriously,”they can only pursue charges when substantial evidence is available. She emphasized:

“We are required to prove any and every criminal charge ‘beyond a reasonable doubt,’ which is the highest standard in the American criminal justice system. If the available evidence doesn’t rise to this level of proof, then we cannot ethically file charges.”

The press release clarified that the decision to refrain from pursuing domestic violence charges against Chigvintsev was reached “after thorough review”and an “evaluation of the evidence”presented to the DA’s office following his arrest in August.

Nikki Garcia’s ex-husband was taken into custody on August 29 for “felony domestic violence,”just two days after the couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary. On August 27, the former couple appeared to be on amicable terms, with Chigvintsev posting memories from their Paris 2022 wedding on Instagram, declaring that Nikki Garcia is “my everything”in the caption.

Key Details about Artem Chigvintsev’s Arrest

The news of Artem Chigvintsev’s arrest came to light on August 29 after an altercation with Nikki Garcia at their Napa County home. A 911 dispatcher recorded that the Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) professional made the call seeking medical assistance after Garcia reportedly threw a shoe at him.

According to the dispatcher, Chigvintsev later called back stating that “no medical is needed,”but paramedics were already en route. Upon the police’s arrival, they felt “comfortable arresting him on felony domestic violence charges.”

Henry Wofford, Public Information Officer for the Napa County Sheriff’s Department, noted in August that an arrest for felony domestic violence usually indicates that a credible eyewitness has observed visible injuries on the victim.

Wofford stated that the domestic violence victim requested confidentiality and sought to keep her identity private. However, during the 911 call, the DWTS star had reportedly referred to “his wife,”providing context. Although the DWTS contestant was released on a $25,000 bail on the day of his arrest, his relationship with Nikki Garcia did not withstand the incident.

The former professional wrestler officially filed for divorce on September 11 in Napa Valley, two weeks after Chigvintsev’s arrest for domestic violence. Prior to the divorce announcement, Nikki Garcia was seen without her wedding ring.

On August 31, she was photographed boarding a private flight without her emerald engagement ring and wedding band. She also attended her first public event following her ex-husband’s arrest, Netflix’s Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef, on September 2, without wearing her rings.

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