Councilman, 58, is accused of strangling to death stripper, 20, when she tried to leave their 'toxic' relationship

Liliya Guyvoronsky, 20, was found dead in her South Seattle home, naked and strangled, after she tried to leave a toxic relationship with a former city councilman

A woman was reportedly strangled in her bed by a city councilman who is 38 years her senior after she tried to end their toxic relationship.

James McNeal, aged 58, cut his wrists and had his lawyer call the police to arrest him approximately 24 hours after the death of Liliya Guyvoronsky, aged 20.

Former Bothell City Council member James McNeal, 58, slashed his wrists and had his lawyer call police to arrest him about 24 hours after allegedly murdering her

The former Bothell City Council member was apprehended at 4620 A Orchard Street in South Seattle on Tuesday night and was formally charged with murder.

In messages to friends, the young woman described McNeal as controlling and said he would get angry when she refused him. She mentioned that he once threatened to 'sex traffic' her.

Guyvoronsky said in messages sent to friends that McNeal was controlling, got angry when she said no to him, and once told her would 'sex traffic' her

When law enforcement entered the residence, they discovered Guyvoronsky lying naked on her bed, with injuries on her neck, forehead, and under her jaw, leading them to believe she was strangled.

Blood was found on the headboard, pillow, and carpet. A photo from McNeal's arrest showed him covered in blood, with self-inflicted wounds on his wrists.

A photo of McNeal's arrest shared online showed him covered in blood. Police said McNeal had self-inflicted wounds on his wrists

A handwritten note dated April 29 with 'do not interact w/James today' as its last item was found in the home.

Guyvoronsky, described as an 'independent contractor' at Kittens Cabaret, expressed her discontent with the relationship and her desire to end it in messages to a friend.

She stated, 'It's messed up. He coerced me into having sex. I was celibate for a year and a half and I was not ready. I didn't really want to.'

The room where Guyvoronsky was found naked on her bed, lying on her back with the bedding covering her, with strangulation marks and blood everywhere

Guyvoronsky also detailed how McNeal, who recently ended his marriage with three children, manipulated her, mentioning that he pursued her because he thought she was young and easily controllable.

She spoke about trying to change and be more self-aware since her time in rehab, emphasizing that she wouldn't settle for less than she deserved.

McNeal recently split with his wife, with whom he has three children

McNeal's lawyer, Jan Olson, called 911 and reported a likely homicide but did not enter the house.

McNeal was taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment and missed his initial court date.

Neighbors reported seeing McNeal visit Guyvoronsky and bring food inside.

McNeal's previous criminal history was brought up, including a felony conviction for eluding police in 1986, which he attributed to racial harassment.