Lexington County Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Violent Attack

News Summary

A 38-year-old man from Lexington County has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the attempted murder of his girlfriend during a brutal attack in May. Robert Allen Gaffney stabbed her over twenty times before fleeing the scene, only to be apprehended later. This case highlights the vital importance of addressing domestic violence in the community in order to protect potential victims and prevent future incidents.

Lexington County Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Unthinkable Attack

In a tragic turn of events, a 38-year-old man from Lexington County has been sentenced to an astonishing 25 years in prison for the attempted murder of his girlfriend. This shocking case has left many in the community reeling after details of the brutal attack emerged.

A Frightening Night in May

The incident took place on the evening of May 26, 2023, when authorities received a frantic 911 call about a violent assault. Upon arrival, deputies were met with a chilling scene: the victim was discovered covered in blood, suffering from severe lacerations and gaping wounds on her face, neck, and chest.

Details of the Attack

What had transpired was nothing short of horrific. The man, identified as Robert Allen Gaffney, wielded a box cutter with unspeakable ferocity, stabbing his girlfriend over twenty times during the unprovoked attack. In addition to the stabbings, he also struck her in the head, further aggravating her already critical condition.

Quick Response Needed

Due to the severity of her injuries, the victim required immediate transportation to the hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery to save her life. It was a heart-stopping situation that could have ended even more tragically.

Flight and Capture

Following the assault, Gaffney did not stay to face the consequences of his actions. He fled the scene, running away from the chaos he caused. However, law enforcement officials were not far behind. He was located outside of Lexington County, where police apprehended him.

Bloody Evidence

During his arrest, investigators found significant amounts of blood both inside Gaffney’s vehicle and on his clothing, which further implicated him in the brutal attack. When taken into custody, Gaffney confessed to the crime, admitting he had stabbed the victim multiple times.

A Disturbing Pattern

In addition to the confession, investigators noted a troubling pattern in Gaffney’s behavior leading up to the attack. They revealed that he had conducted multiple internet searches regarding ways to murder someone just days before the stabbing. This alarming behavior prompted concerns about Gaffney’s state of mind.

Intent to Kill

He even confessed to a family member about his deadly intentions, making it clear that he planned to take her life. This revelation underscored the gravity of his actions and motivations.

Legal Consequences

In light of the overwhelming evidence against him, Gaffney faced serious charges. Rather than entering plea negotiations, he was prosecuted for the attempted murder, leading to his substantial sentence of 25 years in prison, with no possibility of parole under South Carolina law.

Next Steps

As his sentence begins, Gaffney has been transported to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to start serving his time. The prosecution, led by 11th Circuit Assistant Solicitor Whitney Taylor, and the thorough investigation by Inv. Brandon Kinder of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department have highlighted the importance of addressing such violent behavior in our communities.

A Community Left Reeling

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential for violence in domestic situations and the necessity for vigilance and intervention when red flags appear. As Lexington County grapples with the aftermath of this gut-wrenching incident, the hope remains that support and resources for victims of domestic violence will become more accessible, ensuring that such tragedies can be avoided in the future.

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Additional Resources

• SWLEX Ledger
• WIS TV
• WACH
• Lexington County Sheriff’s Department
• Wikipedia: Domestic Violence

Author: HERE Lexington