“If I can't have you, no one can.”

This sentence might sound like it's straight out of a thriller-movie script, but there are plenty of folks who feel that way toward their partner (or ex-partner), even if they haven't uttered the line aloud.

That sentiment might be one of the underlying factors in a vicious—and ultimately fatal—attack by a Wall Township man who suspected his girlfriend of being unfaithful to him. According to court records, 25-year-old Alex J. Williams had a history of abuse and domestic violence (DV).

If you have been arrested for charges relating to DV, no matter what the circumstances, you need to contact an attorney as quickly as possible. Contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team right away by calling 888-535-3686 or clicking here.

Suspicion and Jealousy Lead to Machete Attack

At 9:22 AM on May 23, 2024, a dispatcher with the Wall Township Police department answered an emergency call from a man who was calm and cooperative—even as he described the horrific attack he had just carried out in the parking lot of an apartment complex.

On recordings of the 911 call, Williams can be heard saying that he had just “killed my girl” but also promising that he would be compliant with authorities.

When law enforcement officers arrived on scene, they found the 29-year-old woman slumped up against a parked car with multiple serious injuries, including gashes on her face and an arm that was “nearly severed.”

Neighbors in the Glen Oaks Apartment Complex later told authorities that they'd heard Williams shouting accusations of infidelity at his girlfriend Brianna Greenwood. According to eyewitnesses, Williams then began repeatedly assaulting her with a machete.

Although she was transported to a local hospital and underwent an 18-hour surgery to save her life, Greenwood did not survive the attack. They also found Greenwood's 3-year-old son sitting in her car for the entirety of the incident. Additionally, she had an 8-year-old child.

Court records revealed that Williams had a lengthy history of domestic violence charges against Greenwood.

Underneath the Abuse

There's a strong correlation between jealousy and abusive behavior, largely because of the correlation between possessiveness and abuse. Victims of domestic abuse often feel isolated from friends, family members, and social acquaintances. Their partners monitor their every moment and movement, whether openly or on the sly — tracking them through apps or even using the old-fashioned way of following them around.

It's not uncommon for an abuser to seize upon small, insignificant issues (or even to invent them outright) with which to pick a fight. A text from a coworker, a look that lingers too long, or even a new hairstyle can all be interpreted by the abuser as signs that their romantic partner has lost interest in the relationship or is attracted to another person. Whether or not these interpretations are even accurate really doesn't matter. All that's needed is an excuse to justify, and continue, the jealous and controlling behavior.

Happily, There Is Good News

Domestic violence can feel like an impossible-to-escape trap, for both the victim and the abuser. But there's good news. It is absolutely possible to change one's violent behavior and break the cycle of abuse that's often handed down generation after generation. The process may be slow and difficult, but it is possible.

Of course, the first step to take is facing up to whatever abusive actions have led you into legal trouble. That's where the qualified, compassionate, and experienced attorneys at the Lento Law Firm Team come in. They are dedicated to protecting the accused's due process rights and to ensuring fair treatment under the law. To get in touch with them, visit this link and call 888-535-3686.