Missouri Student Charged After Allegedly Strangling Classmate Twice Over Snapchat Block, Banned From University Campus
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI — A University of Missouri student has been banned from campus and is facing serious charges after police say he strangled another student twice in separate incidents — the first time because the victim blocked him on Snapchat.
According to court documents, 18-year-old Maxwell Warren was arrested on Tuesday and is being held without bond at the Boone County Jail. He faces three counts of domestic assault and one count of burglary after what police described as a disturbing pattern of harassment and violence tied to social media conflicts.
Snapchat Block Sparks First Attack
Investigators said the first assault occurred on September 26, when the victim blocked Warren on Snapchat. That same day, Warren allegedly forced his way into the victim’s dorm room without permission, shouting, “What do you think you are doing? You need to add me back right now.”
The student told officers that Warren grabbed them by the neck and strangled them until red marks appeared. Photos of the injuries were later provided to police.
Two days later, Warren reportedly sent the victim a message on Instagram saying, “I feel awful. U deserve so much better.” But his remorse didn’t last.
When confronted again over Snapchat about the incident, Warren allegedly replied, “I would do it again. I f—ing hate you. I would gladly beat your a—.”
Second Strangulation Weeks Later
Roughly a month after the first altercation, on October 29, Warren again contacted the victim and was allowed to enter their room voluntarily. However, the encounter turned violent after Warren allegedly made unwanted sexual advances.
When the victim refused and said they wanted to sleep, Warren allegedly became enraged and strangled the student a second time, causing them to lose consciousness and experience uncontrollable twitching. The victim later told police they warned Warren never to contact them again.
Separate Assault the Same Day
Later that same evening, police were called to a campus parking structure after a witness reported seeing Warren push a woman to the ground.
According to a probable cause statement, surveillance footage contradicted Warren’s account, which claimed the woman struck him first. Video reportedly showed Warren pushing the woman before a bystander in a pickup truck intervened.
Charges and University Response
Prosecutors have charged Warren with three counts of domestic assault—including one for causing serious physical injury—and one count of burglary.
He remains in custody without bond ahead of a court appearance on November 10 and a preliminary hearing set for December 9.
A spokesperson for the University of Missouri, Christopher Ave, confirmed Warren is barred from all campus property, classes, and university activities during the ongoing investigation.
“The university does not tolerate acts of violence and holds accountable anyone found to violate the law or university policies,” Ave said. “If Warren is released from jail and attempts to enter Mizzou’s campus, he is subject to arrest.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate both the on-campus assaults and the off-campus parking structure incident. The University of Missouri Police Department and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office are working together to ensure student safety while the case proceeds.
Have thoughts on campus safety and student accountability? Share your views and join the discussion at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.