Jury Convicts Springfield Man Who Broke Girlfriend's Jaw, Then Tried to Silence Her

SPRINGFIELD, MO. — Thomas David Norton, 33, of Springfield, was found guilty by a jury today of domestic assault in the first degree, tampering with a witness, and tampering with a victim — following a two-day trial in Greene County Circuit Court. The jury deliberated for approximately an hour and twenty minutes. The case was presided over by Judge Todd Myers, who scheduled sentencing for May 7, 2026.

On September 27, 2025, Springfield Police were dispatched to a domestic disturbance where officers found Norton just inside the home standing over his bloodied victim. The evidence established that Norton had struck the victim in the face, fracturing her jaw and making it difficult for her to speak. While incarcerated at the Greene County Jail, Norton made recorded phone calls in which he discussed efforts to persuade the victim to drop the charges, stating that getting her to cooperate was “the cheapest way” to avoid a sentence of 10 to 30 years. Norton also sent two letters to the victim’s address, disguised as correspondence addressed to a fictitious person. In those letters, Norton apologized for the assault, asked the victim to “free me up at prelim,” and pleaded for mercy, acknowledging that a 10-to-30-year sentence would be the rest of his life. One of the letters referenced the song “Posed to be in Love,” a track whose lyrics depict domestic violence, stalking, and threats against a partner who attempts to leave the relationship.

Norton is a persistent offender under Missouri law, having previously been convicted of Assault in the Second Degree in 2022 and Resisting Arrest for a Felony in 2013. As a result, his class D felony convictions are subject to enhanced punishment, and he is not eligible for parole on the witness and victim tampering counts.

“Today’s verdict sends a clear message: domestic violence will not be tolerated in our community, and those who attempt to silence victims or intimidate witnesses will be held accountable. We hope this outcome brings a measure of justice and peace to the survivor in this case.” said Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson.

The case was investigated by the Springfield Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Katelynn Frazier and Kim Pulley.

Norton_Press_Release 3-24-2026.pdf

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