Anthony Braxton, a 47-year-old man from Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 22.5 years in prison for a horrific crime committed in November 2017. Braxton stabbed his former romantic partner multiple times in front of their child, resulting in serious injuries. The verdict, which includes charges of assault with intent to kill, was delivered in April 2023 after a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
The incident occurred on November 4, 2017, when Braxton violated a court order and entered his ex-partner’s home. In broad daylight, he approached the woman and repeatedly stabbed her nearly 30 times using a pair of needle-nose pliers, all while their child witnessed the unimaginable violence unfold.
Before the crime took place, Braxton had already been prohibited from having contact with the victim. On October 16, 2017, a District of Columbia Superior Court Judge had issued a restraining order against him, ordering him to stay away from the victim. Shockingly, Braxton violated this court order over 500 times within the span of just a few weeks leading up to the incident.
The victim, severely wounded from the attack, received medical treatment at Howard University Hospital. Her injuries were so severe that she required surgery in order to save her right hand. This brutal assault not only caused physical harm, but it also left a lasting emotional impact on the victim and their child.
The sentence of 22.5 years serves as a just punishment for the heinous crime committed by Braxton. It sends a message that intimate partner violence will not be tolerated in the District of Columbia. The District Attorney’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department emphasized the seriousness of this crime and their commitment to bringing violent offenders to justice.
This case sheds light on the importance of implementing and enforcing restraining orders in cases of domestic violence. Restraining orders are intended to protect victims from their abusers and establish consequences for any violation. In this case, Braxton flagrantly disregarded the court order and continued to harass and harm the victim, resulting in a tragic outcome.
It is crucial for victims of domestic violence to seek help and support from law enforcement and victim advocacy organizations. They are available to provide guidance, resources, and assistance in obtaining and enforcing restraining orders. Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects individuals of all genders, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. The judicial system, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations must work together to prevent violence and protect victims from further harm.
This incident also highlights the need for adequate punishment for violent crimes. A sentence of 22.5 years reflects the severity of the offense and its devastating impact on the victim and their child. It serves as a deterrent to potential offenders and emphasizes that society will not tolerate such acts of violence.
In conclusion, Anthony Braxton’s sentencing to 22.5 years in prison for the brutal assault on his former partner reinforces the District of Columbia’s commitment to combat domestic violence. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of restraining orders and the need to enforce them rigorously. It also underscores the significance of providing support and resources to victims of domestic violence. The justice system must continue to hold perpetrators accountable and strive to prevent such violent acts in the future.
