TEMPE, AZ – Police say a Tempe man carried out an unrelenting and brutal assault on a woman inside his apartment over the weekend, striking her repeatedly and attempting to strangle her until she barely remained conscious. The alleged incident unfolded when the man discovered the woman using his vape device without his permission, according to officials.
Maricopa County prosecutors described the attack as one of extreme violence, emphasizing the sheer number and severity of the injuries inflicted. According to court documents, the victim suffered dozens of wounds to her head alone, leaving her “beaten beyond recognition,” as indicated during bond proceedings this week.
The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Nicholas Vincuillo, reportedly unleashed his anger at his apartment near Loop 101 and Rio Salado Parkway. The woman, whose identity has not been released, recounted to police that the confrontation began when Vincuillo noticed she had used his vape pen while he was in the shower.
Prosecutors allege that Vincuillo responded by forcefully grabbing the woman, slamming her against a wall multiple times, delivering repeated blows, and strangling her to the brink of unconsciousness. During the course of the attack, he is accused of dragging her into the bathroom, showing her a firearm, and insisting she clean up the aftermath as he disposed of her clothing.
Investigators said that the woman was subjected to threats with a gun, with Vinncuillo reportedly pressing the weapon to her forehead and calling her derogatory names. In addition, court documents reveal he told her he was affiliated with an outlaw motorcycle gang, a claim he has purportedly made to previous victims as a means of intimidation.
Police reported that the woman was forced to ingest Xanax pills and that both Vincuillo and the victim were under the influence of Xanax, cocaine, and alcohol at the time of the assault. Despite her grave injuries—including a broken bone near her eye and a fractured hand—she eventually managed to escape and found safety at a nearby fast-food restaurant, where she contacted emergency services.
Responding officers noted the severity of the victim’s condition and gathered evidence from Vinncuillo’s residence, including a trash compactor that allegedly contained a bag with her belongings and cleaning supplies. Witness accounts indicate the previous night Vincuillo had expressed jealousy over her contact with others.
Authorities also pointed to Vincuillo’s history of domestic violence, noting that his threats of gang affiliation appear consistent with past efforts to instill fear in partners. He now faces several felony charges, including aggravated assault and tampering with evidence.
During a court hearing on Tuesday, a judge set Vincuillo’s bond at $250,000 cash-only, citing the gravity of the accusations and the risk to public safety. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare for further proceedings.
According to officials, the victim remains hospitalized but is expected to recover from her injuries. Police urge anyone who suspects domestic abuse to seek help or report concerns to authorities.