FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 11, 2025 

OKLAHOMA CITY – An Oklahoma County jury has convicted Oklahoma City Police Department officer Kristopher Gellenbeck of one felony count of Child Abuse for assaulting his son during a domestic incident in November 2023. The jury recommended a sentence of four years in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

Formal sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2025.

On November 26, 2023, officers were called to the Target store located at 8300 block of N. Rockwell in Oklahoma City after reports of a domestic disturbance. According to testimony at trial, Gellenbeck was at the Target to meet his ex-wife to exchange custody of their children.

During the exchange, Gellenbeck began yelling at his ex-wife and then grabbed his son by the throat, choking him for several seconds. The victim told detectives that it became difficult to breathe and that he hit his father in the face to break free.

At the time, Gellenbeck was placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation and prosecution.

In 2021, Gellenbeck faced multiple charges related to another domestic incident involving his former wife. He entered an Alford Plea to an amended charge of Disturbing the Peace, which is a misdemeanor.District Attorney Behenna thanks the jury for their careful deliberation and recognizes the Oklahoma City Police Department and prosecutors for their diligent work in bringing this case to conclusion.

###