A shocking case from Florida has led to the conviction of a Georgia man who brutally attacked his girlfriend during what was supposed to be a simple trip. What started as a visit to look for a new place to live ended in violence, fear, and serious injuries. After hearing the evidence, a jury has now found the accused guilty of multiple serious crimes.
Georgia Man Found Guilty in Florida Assault Case
A six-member jury found 62-year-old Anthony Wayne Worley guilty on January 9 in connection with the violent attack. The case was handled by the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit.
Worley was convicted of:
- Aggravated battery
- Domestic battery by strangulation
- False imprisonment
- Misdemeanor assault
These charges are serious felonies, especially aggravated battery and domestic battery by strangulation, which involve severe physical harm and life-threatening actions.
What Happened at the Panama City Motel?
The incident took place on October 12, 2024, at a motel in Panama City, Florida. Worley and his girlfriend had travelled from Georgia to explore the area because they were thinking about moving there.
According to reports, the couple had been drinking when another man complimented the woman on her appearance. This reportedly made Worley angry, and the two began arguing.
Later, back at the motel room, the situation turned violent.
Victim’s Testimony: A Night of Fear
During the trial, the victim shared disturbing details of what happened inside the room.
She testified that:
- Worley punched her.
- He smothered her with a pillow.
- He threatened her with a loaded gun.
According to her statement, he allegedly told her, “I got one bullet for you and one bullet for me.” This threat made the situation even more terrifying.
She also said that when she told him she planned to return to Georgia, his anger increased.
Escape and Help from a Stranger
Thankfully, the victim managed to escape the motel room. However, the violence did not stop there. Worley reportedly tried to drag her back inside.
At that moment, a bystander stepped in. A good Samaritan who saw the fight intervened and restrained Worley. He directed the victim to his room for safety while she waited for police to arrive.
Hotel guests had already heard her screaming for help, which helped bring attention to the situation.
Without the stranger’s quick action, the situation could have turned even worse.
Serious Injuries and Medical Treatment
The attack left the victim badly injured. She required emergency medical treatment for:
- A broken orbital socket (bone around the eye)
- A broken nose
These injuries show how violent the assault was. Medical reports presented during the case confirmed the seriousness of the beating.
Legal Consequences for Anthony Wayne Worley
After reviewing the evidence and listening to testimony, the jury found Worley guilty on all major charges. Each of these convictions carries serious legal penalties.
Here is a quick summary of the case:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | October 12, 2024 |
| Location | Panama City, Florida |
| Accused | Anthony Wayne Worley, 62 |
| Charges | Aggravated battery, domestic battery by strangulation, false imprisonment, assault |
| Verdict Date | January 9 |
| Victim’s Injuries | Broken orbital socket and broken nose |
Sentencing details have not yet been publicly shared, but felony convictions like these can result in significant prison time.
