WARNING: This article contains descriptions of domestic violence and could be disturbing for some readers. A Philadelphia Family Court judge was suspended without pay after being accused of attacking his two family members. Michael Fanning, 60, of Philadelphia, is charged with aggravated assau lt, strangulation, simple assault and reckless endangerment of another person. On Monday, March 9, around 8:45 p.m., a Philadelphia police officer responded to a home on the 9600 block of Milnor Street for a report of a person screaming. When the officer arrived, they were met by a woman and her daughter who both had visible injuries, investigators said. The woman had a cut near her eye, swelling on her head and scratches on her neck while her daughter had a scratch above her eye and redness to her face, according to the criminal complaint. The woman’s daughter told the officer that Fanning had assaulted both her and her mother inside their home, investigators said. NBC10’s newsgathering partner KYW Newsradio confirmed that the two victims are Fanning’s family members while the Philadelphia Inquirer reported they are his wife and daughter. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522. The officer entered the house and spotted Fanning cleaning with a broom and dustpan, according to the criminal complaint. The officer also said Fanning smelled like alcohol. Fanning’s foot was bleeding and there was broken glass and food scattered on the floor, according to investigators. Investigators determined that earlier that evening, Fanning became angry and began throwing food and household items at the woman, striking her with some of the items. Fanning then grabbed the woman’s glasses, broke them and then punched her in the face and head multiple times, according to the criminal complaint. Fanning also grabbed the woman by the hair, forced her to the ground and at one point climbed on top of her, placed his hands around her neck and choked her for several seconds, investigators said. As Fanning attacked the woman, her daughter intervened and struck him with a pot, according to the criminal complaint. Fanning then grabbed the daughter’s hair and pulled her to the ground, police said. Both the woman and her daughter then fled the home towards the driveway, according to the criminal complaint. Police said Fanning followed them outside and once again struck the woman, causing her to fall to the ground. Both the woman and her daughter were treated at the scene by responding medics. Fanning was taken to the hospital for treatment before being transferred to police custody. Fanning is scheduled for another court appearance later in March. NBC10 reached out to Fanning’s attorney who had no comment. Judge Michael Fanning Fanning has been a judge with the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas since 2014. A spokesperson told KYW Newsradio that Fanning mostly dealt with child custody cases but also presided over cases involving domestic violence. On Thursday, March 12, 2026, Fanning was suspended without pay effective immediately following an order by the Judicial Conduct Board. Prior to joining the court, Fanning was a trial attorney and was a Bucks County assistant district attorney in the child abuse unit. ...read more read less