MAYS LANDING, N.J. — A local man has been sentenced to a four-year prison term following his guilty plea in a case involving a severe assault on his girlfriend at an Absecon hotel, officials reported on Tuesday.
The incident, which occurred on March 23, 2024, prompted an immediate police response to the Travelodge on Absecon Boulevard after reports of a domestic disturbance were received. Officers encountered a woman in the lobby of the hotel presenting extensive facial injuries, indicative of a violent altercation.
Investigations revealed that the victim had been involved in a heated argument with 33-year-old LaQuay Taylor in their hotel room. The altercation escalated rapidly, culminating in the victim attempting to escape. Taylor pursued her into the hallway, where he assaulted her multiple times with a closed fist, authorities said.
Following the attack, Taylor escaped the scene prior to the arrival of the police. Law enforcement quickly issued a warrant for his arrest, and he was captured shortly thereafter.
The sentencing comes as a resolution to the case, concluding nearly a year of legal proceedings. Taylor faced charges of third-degree aggravated assault, to which he entered a guilty plea.
The legal definition of third-degree aggravated assault implicates bodily injury caused purposefully or knowingly, or under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, typically involving a weapon. Taylor’s actions in the hotel hallway fell squarely into this category due to the severity of the assault.
Domestic violence experts emphasize that such cases highlight the critical need for immediate intervention and ongoing support for the victims of such crimes. Advocates continue to call for more comprehensive measures to protect those at risk and to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
The court hopes that the sentence will serve as a deterrent to similar crimes, underlining the serious consequences of domestic violence. Meanwhile, support groups and legal advocates are available to assist victims of domestic violence, providing resources and counsel to help them recover from such traumatic experiences.
As the community reflects on this painful event, local authorities and social service organizations stress the importance of vigilance and proactive community support to prevent future incidents of domestic violence.