Jury finds Lawrence man guilty of domestic violence, criminal damage to property

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that a jury found Philip M. Gabler, 29, of Lawrence, guilty of domestic battery and criminal damage to property, both misdemeanor convictions. The jury made special findings that both offenses were acts of domestic violence.

“Thank you to the jurors whose verdict sends the message that we each have a right to safety and security, and violence against anyone, especially those in intimate relationships, cannot be tolerated,” District Attorney Valdez said.

Charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on January 3, 2023, in the 1000 block of Tennessee Street, when Gabler kicked in the front door of the home of his former girlfriend. The woman sustained injuries to her forehead from the door’s frame when Gabler forcibly entered. The woman later recovered from her injuries.

Assistant District Attorney Brian Deiter represented the State of Kansas. The matter was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department.

Gabler’s sentencing will be set at a later date.

Gabler faces up to six months in jail for his domestic battery conviction and another six months in jail for his criminal damage to property conviction.