Wife of Bartlesville baseball coach found guilty of domestic abuse by strangulation speaks out

A Bartlesville baseball coach has been found guilty of domestic abuse by strangulation. John Pannell, a well-known figure in the local youth baseball community, was arrested in June 2024 after police say he attacked his wife.

Now, Amanda Pannell is sharing her story publicly for the first time.

“It Started With Financial Abuse”

Amanda says she and John were married in 2019, but the problems started right away.

“The financial abuse started almost immediately, and then after financial was verbal, emotional, and mental abuse,” Amanda Pannell said.

The Assault: “I Couldn’t Breathe”

Amanda says things escalated in June 2024, after she confronted John about their finances. That’s when the physical violence began.

“He came out of the bathroom and grabbed my forearms and threw me on the bed and put me in the fetal position and squeezed me until I couldn't breathe,” she said.

She says she doesn’t remember how it ended.

“And he said, ‘Oh, it was just a wrestling move,” Amanda said.

Domestic Violence Experts: Strangulation Is Common

Tracy Lyall, CEO of Domestic Violence Intervention Services, says strangulation is one of the most dangerous forms of abuse they see.

“It's far too common. It is one of the most dangerous things we see with survivors of domestic violence,” she said.

Lyall says that nearly half of the victims who complete danger assessments at their facilities report being choked by a partner.

“What He Is in Public Is Not What He Is in Private”

Amanda hopes her story will help others see past public personas and believe victims when they come forward.

“It was a matter of getting someone to understand that what he is in private is not what he is in public,” she said.

What’s Next

John Pannell is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 3. His attorney declined to comment.

Amanda says after a year of fear, she finally feels free to rejoin her community and start living again.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233).

Other resources: Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention: Free Resources

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3. How to escape a strangulation attempt: Tulsa County deputy shares self-defense tips
4. Breaking The Silence On Domestic Violence: Resources