November 9, 2015
(McKinney, Texas) – John Turner Gray, 21, of McKinney, was sentenced to 16 years for Aggravated Assault, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “The women of Collin County are safer now that Gray is in prison. In less than two years, Gray committed seven assaults total on five different female victims.”
Gray’s victims included girlfriends, family members and an acquaintance. The seven assaults spanned from October 2013 to August 2015. The aggravated assault victim, a friend of Gray’s then girlfriend, tried to protect the girlfriend from Gray. Gray punched the victim in the face shattering her orbital socket. Her injuries required reconstructive surgery to insert metal plates and screws to restructure a cheekbone, and nylon mesh to support her eye.
Two of Gray’s former girlfriend victims testified about the pattern and escalation of the abuse, which included being drug by their hair and punched. Gray’s sister testified that when she tried to stop him from destroying her property, he struck her in the face, grabbed her by the hair, threw her to the ground, and repeatedly stomped on her before fleeing the scene. Gray’s mother also testified that he threw a watch at her, which caused a gash above her lip and required stitches.
During punishment, evidence of another assault was provided through the testimony of a former girlfriend. Evidence of two juvenile assault cases was also shown to the jury and admitted during punishment. Along with the 16 years for aggravated assault, the jury also sentenced Gray to prison sentences of 7 years for continuous violence against the family, 5 years for a separate case of continuous violence against the family, and 180 days for criminal mischief.
The assaults were investigated by numerous officers of the McKinney and Frisco police departments. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Courtney Neel and Paul Anfosso prosecuted the cases, aided by District Attorney Investigator Keith Henslee.
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