Georgia Man Sentenced for Brutal Attack on Girlfriend at Florida Motel

Anthony Worley broke his girlfriend's nose and eye socket after she received a compliment from another guest.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A 62-year-old Georgia man, Anthony Wayne Worley, has been sentenced to four years in prison for brutally assaulting his girlfriend at a motel in Panama City, Florida. Worley became enraged after someone complimented the victim's appearance, leading him to punch her repeatedly, smother her with a pillow, and threaten her with a loaded gun.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of bystander intervention. The victim may have suffered even more severe injuries if not for the brave actions of a motel guest who helped her escape and called the police.

The details

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on October 12, 2024, at the Lagoon Motel in Panama City. Motel guests heard the victim screaming for help, and a good Samaritan witnessed Worley holding the victim by the arm and neck as she tried to leave the room. The victim was able to escape to the good Samaritan's room, where she waited for police. She was later taken to the hospital and required emergency surgery to repair her broken nose and eye socket.

  • The incident occurred on October 12, 2024, at the Lagoon Motel in Panama City, Florida.
  • Worley was sentenced on February 18, 2026, to four years in prison with credit for the 381 days he had already served.

The players

Anthony Wayne Worley

A 62-year-old Georgia man who was convicted of aggravated battery, domestic battery by strangulation, and false imprisonment for assaulting his girlfriend at a Florida motel.

The Victim

Worley's girlfriend of about six months, who suffered a broken nose and eye socket during the attack.

The Good Samaritan

A motel guest who witnessed the victim's screams for help and intervened to help her escape from Worley.

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What they’re saying

“But for the brave actions of the Good Samaritan responding to her screams for help, there is no way to know what would have happened if the defendant had gotten her back into that room. Because of his help, we do know the man who beat and threatened to shoot the victim is now facing prison time.”

— Jackson White, Prosecutor (Law&Crime)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Worley to be released on bail while he appeals his conviction.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of bystander intervention in domestic violence situations and the need for stronger protections and support for victims of abuse. It also underscores the severe consequences that can result from unchecked jealousy and possessiveness in intimate relationships.