LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A Lancaster City man was convicted of strangling a victim while telling her, "I'm going to kill you," according to the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office.
Roberto Cruz-Aviles, 47, was found guilty of strangulation, a second-degree felony and simple assault, a second-degree misdemeanor, after a two-day jury trial before Lancaster County President Judge David Ashworth.
The jury deliberated for more than seven hours over two days before returning the guilty verdict on the afternoon of Feb. 9.
Assistant District Attorney Jaimes Spring prosecuted the case and presented evidence that reportedly proved Cruz-Aviles punched, slammed the victim into the wall and then strangled her as she tried to escape him on Aug. 23, 2022.
The victim testified that seeing her daughter witnessing the attack gave her the strength to fight off Cruz-Aviles. She reportedly suffered from visible strangulation marks on her neck, was referred to the emergency department at a local hospital and required physical therapy due to her injuries.
Cruz-Aviles fled the scene on foot when police arrived, but was caught and detained for investigation by police. He reportedly took off again when informed that he was under arrest, leading police on a foot chase that ended with Cruz-Aviles being arrested and charged.
Following his conviction, Judge Ashworth raised bail to $500,000 straight and remanded the defendant to Lancaster County Prison. He faces a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence as a repeat offender.
