WOODBURY, New Jersey – A woman who fell victim to a brutal domestic violence assault in 2022 faced her attacker during a sentencing hearing with deep emotion on display. Joshua T. Sammons, 27, from Minotola, received a 10-year prison sentence for the vicious attack on the woman as they were in a car in Gloucester County.
The harrowing incident unfolded when the victim, who had ended her relationship with Sammons, was driving him to his grandparents’ home in Atlantic County. Suddenly, Sammons drew a folding knife and inflicted deep wounds on her, including slashing her throat and stabbing her in the face, abdomen, and arms. Despite her injuries, the victim managed to halt the car and escape before being airlifted to a trauma center for treatment.
Following the assault, Sammons evaded authorities for several weeks before ultimately turning himself in to the police. In court, he admitted guilt to a first-degree attempted murder charge as part of a plea deal with prosecutors, leading to his sentencing.
During the hearing, emotions ran high as the victim shared the ongoing trauma and impact of the attack. She revealed the lasting scars, physical and emotional, that serve as a constant reminder of the violence she endured. The victim explained the loss of her home, car, and job in the aftermath, detailing the drastic changes brought on by the assault.
Defense attorney John A. Underwood argued for leniency, emphasizing Sammons’ lack of prior criminal history and painting the attack as a spur-of-the-moment outburst. However, Assistant Prosecutor Katherine Mika underscored Sammons’ dangerous capacity for violence in the face of rejection.
When given the chance to address the court, Sammons expressed regret for his actions and extended an apology to the victim, acknowledging the severity of his deeds. The victim’s poignant recounting of the attack, including the chilling moment when Sammons initiated the violence, highlighted the lasting impact of the assault.
In response to the powerful statements, Superior Court Judge Kevin T. Smith handed down a sentence of 10 years in prison, with a requirement for Sammons to serve 85% of the term before being eligible for parole. Additionally, Sammons was directed to pay fines and restitution, with a five-year parole supervision period after his release.
The case serves as a troubling reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence and the long road to healing for survivors. If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available through hotlines like the New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).