Warner Robins man sentenced to 10 years after abusing woman for multiple hours

WARNER ROBINS — A Warner Robins man is facing years behind bars after strangling and assaulting a woman in his home. 

Anthony Dwayne Boyer, 50, pleaded guilty to the offense of Aggravated Battery on Monday, June 1. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. 

Boyer pleaded guilty just before jury selection was set to start on his trial, according to a press release from the Houston County District Attorney’s office.

The case stems from an incident that happened on July 11, 2022. Law enforcement officers with the Warner Robins Police Department responded to a case at the Houston Medical Center, now Emory Healthcare – Warner Robins. 

The victim in this case was receiving treatment at the hospital. She and Boyer had previously been involved in a romantic relationship. 

She reported she had been abused by Boyer at his home for multiple hours, during which she was struck on the face and strangled. 

The media release says she had multiple scratches, abrasions, and bruises on her body. The medical treatment also revealed damage to the hyoid bone in her neck due to being strangled.

The case was investigated primarily by Officer Christopher Scuderi of the Warner Robins Police Department. Boyer was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth McDaniel of the Houston Circuit D.A.’s Office. 

“Strangulation is one of the most dangerous forms of domestic violence we encounter,” stated District Attorney Eric Edwards in the press release. “A victim can survive the immediate attack and still suffer serious internal injuries, permanent medical complications, or even death hours or days later.” 

Edwards noted that in this case, doctors found damage to the victim’s hyoid bone, which he describes as a significant injury. 

“Unfortunately, family violence often takes place behind closed doors and escalates over time,” Edwards said. “What may begin as controlling or abusive behavior can quickly develop into life-threatening violence.” 

Edwards added that the nature of these types of cases is part of why the DA’s office has prioritized the prosecution of family violence offenses. 

In addition to singling out the work of the Warner Robins Police Department and Officer Scuderi in the case, Edwards also said Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth McDaniel was instrumental in resolving the case. 

“The sentence imposed reflects the seriousness of this defendant’s conduct and sends a clear message that those who commit acts of domestic violence in our community will be held accountable,” he said.