A disturbing incident of domestic violence in Tempe has led to the arrest of 32-year-old Nicholas Vincuillo, after police say he brutally assaulted a woman he had been in a relationship with. The attack, which occurred on September 21st, left the woman with severe injuries, causing her to be hospitalized in Scottsdale, FOX 10 Phoenix reported.
Authorities were alerted to the situation when the victim managed to escape Vincuillo's apartment near Loop 101 and Rio Salado Parkway, and drive herself to a nearby In-N-Out Burger for assistance. Subsequent medical reports revealed the woman had sustained 36 injuries to her head alone, including an orbital fracture and a hand fracture. Prosecutor Dawn Sauer described the attack as "extremely vicious," as the "victim was beaten beyond recognition. She had 36 documented injuries to her head alone. She required significant medical intervention," according to court records obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.
Vincuillo, who is accused of becoming enraged after the woman used his vape while he was taking a shower, allegedly slammed her into a wall and punched her, before forcing her to take Xanax pills. He is also reported to have put the barrel of a gun on her forehead and hurled a derogatory name at her. The victim stated that Vincuillo had been using Xanax and cocaine and had been drinking before the attack, as per Yahoo News.
Detectives indicate that Vincuillo attempted to conceal his actions by, among other things, requiring the victim to shower and clean up the blood and disposing of her clothes. Vincuillo's efforts to hide the crime extended to the discovery of a plastic bag in a trash compactor, which contained a MacBook, an iPhone, the woman's clothes, and cleaning wipes. Additionally, the night before the assault, Vincuillo had warned the victim to "stop talking to other people," FOX 10 Phoenix disclosed. Court documents highlight that Vincuillo has a prior history of domestic violence and has intimidated victims by claiming affiliation with an outlaw motorcycle gang.
During the apartment search, law enforcement found evidence ,including a loaded handgun, blood spatter, and Xanax pills. Vincuillo is now facing seven felony counts that include aggravated assault and tampering with evidence, for which a cash-only bond has been set at $250,000. The trial proceedings are yet to unfold as the legal system takes its course in addressing this harrowing instance of domestic violence.
