By Casey Kenney, a UFC veteran, was arrested on August 16 by Phoenix Police on multiple charges related to an alleged domestic violence incident. The charges include kidnapping and aggravated assault by strangulation, among others. Kenney was apprehended by Phoenix Police Fugitive Apprehension Detectives and has since been released from custody.
Maricopa County court records indicate that Kenney, 33, faces a total of six charges. These include a class 2 felony for kidnapping, which carries a potential prison sentence of 4 to 12.5 years if convicted, and a class 4 felony for assault/strangulation, along with four misdemeanor charges.
The incident, which reportedly took place between July 21 and July 22 at Kenney’s residence, involved Kenney allegedly assaulting the victim, Jasmine Mendez, over several hours. According to the probable cause statement, Kenney repeatedly struck, slapped, bit, headbutted, and choked Mendez, leaving visible injuries. During the 13-hour ordeal, Mendez was allegedly prevented from escaping, with Kenney threatening further harm if she attempted to leave or if anyone intervened.
The case first came to light in July when the victim’s mother posted about the alleged domestic violence on Instagram. Phoenix Police later confirmed the incident, noting that they found Mendez with visible abrasions when they responded to the scene. The case remains active.
Kenney, who has not competed in the UFC since a loss to Song Yadong in 2021, is no longer under contract with the promotion, as confirmed by the UFC on Wednesday. A status conference on his case is scheduled for August 22, with a preliminary hearing set for August 26.
