Guillermo Ayala Jr., a 30-year-old resident of Calverton, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision for a brutal attack on his ex-girlfriend’s family. The incident occurred in December 2022 when Ayala attempted to force his way into their home after they denied him entry. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of holding domestic abusers accountable for their actions.
The court documents and Ayala’s own admissions during his guilty plea allocution reveal the horrifying details of the incident. On December 2, 2022, Ayala and the mother of his children went shopping and had dinner together. However, Ayala became increasingly aggressive and demanded that she show him her cell phone to see who she had been speaking to. In an isolated area of Riverhead, he put his hands around her neck, restricting her breathing, and held a razor to her throat, threatening to kill her if she didn’t give him her phone. Eventually, he relented and brought her home.
The following day, the victim met with her family at her parents’ house to discuss her safety and the well-being of her children after the previous night’s ordeal. It was during this gathering that Ayala arrived and began knocking on the front door. When the victim’s stepmother told him to leave, he forcefully pushed his way past her and entered the house. As other family members rushed to the scene, Ayala punched the victim’s father and then proceeded to slash his face with the razor blade. When the victim’s uncle tried to intervene, Ayala also slashed him in the face with the razor, causing severe and permanent disfigurement. Ayala didn’t stop there; he bit both the father and the uncle on their arms. The victim’s aunt attempted to help, only to be met with Ayala slashing her arm with the razor as well.
Amidst the chaos, the victim managed to call 911 for help. Suffolk County Police Department officers arrived at the scene to find Ayala still holding the razor as the victim’s family members restrained him on the ground. He was immediately arrested.
Ayala pleaded guilty on August 21, 2023, before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei. He faced multiple charges, including Burglary in the First Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing. These charges are classified as violent felonies and misdemeanors, reflecting the severity of his actions.
District Attorney Tierney highlighted the importance of supporting victims of domestic abuse and ensuring that they are not left to face danger alone. The case serves as a reminder of the fear and trauma that victims endure and the determination of law enforcement to hold abusers accountable.
The sentence of 18 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision demonstrates the seriousness with which the court treats incidents of domestic violence. It serves as a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated in Suffolk County, NY.
The victim and her family are now on the path towards healing and recovery, supported by the criminal justice system and organizations dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic violence. Importantly, their bravery in standing up against their attacker has sent a powerful message that they will not be silenced or intimidated.
This case highlights the need for continued efforts to address and prevent domestic violence. Education and awareness campaigns, along with improved access to protective services and resources, can empower victims to seek help and break free from dangerous situations. It also emphasizes the importance of supporting survivors throughout their journey to healing, ensuring that they have the resources and assistance they need to rebuild their lives.
In conclusion, Guillermo Ayala Jr.’s sentencing of 18 years in prison for his violent attack on his ex-girlfriend’s family serves as a reminder of the determination to hold domestic abusers accountable. The case also underscores the need for ongoing efforts to address and prevent domestic violence and support survivors. The victim and her family can now begin their journey to healing, knowing that justice has been served.