As a wrestler, it's just where my mind went when reading the statute. A headlock (which is a wrestling move) is not uncommon position to be in if there was an altercation or scrap.
I also do not automatically assume the victim was his wife, as some here have already decided upon. Could very well have been another male in his household.
Final thing to remember, the damn media is in it for the clicks. They will post the most salacious language possible, rather than let the truth come out every time. It is better for business.