Central Texas Man Arrested After Alleged Strangulation Assault

Deputies say the suspect left his ex-girlfriend with a broken nose and cracked teeth.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked tooth or broken bone, captured with harsh, direct lighting against a pitch-black background to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A recent wave of alleged domestic violence incidents in the Waco area has exposed the ongoing challenges of addressing strangulation and other serious forms of abuse.Waco Today

A 26-year-old Elm Mott, Texas man was arrested on charges of aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury, tampering with physical evidence, and assault-family violence-strangulation after allegedly assaulting and strangling his ex-girlfriend, leaving her with a broken nose and cracked teeth.

Why it matters

Domestic violence incidents involving strangulation are considered particularly serious, as they can lead to long-term health consequences and are often precursors to more severe violence. This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing domestic abuse cases in the local community.

The details

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, deputies were called to a gas station in Elm Mott on April 4 where the victim had driven after the alleged assault. The victim had visible injuries including a broken nose and cracked teeth. She identified the suspect as William Hayes, Jr., her former boyfriend, and said he had assaulted and strangled her at his home earlier that morning. Deputies later located Hayes at his residence and noted what appeared to be blood on the back of his shorts. Hayes was arrested and taken to the county jail, where staff reported he had attempted to destroy evidence by placing his shorts in a toilet.

  • On April 4, deputies responded to a gas station in Elm Mott for a report of an assault.
  • The victim was transported to a hospital due to the extent of her injuries.

The players

William Hayes, Jr.

A 26-year-old Elm Mott, Texas resident who was arrested and charged with aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury, tampering with physical evidence, and assault-family violence-strangulation.

The Victim

The ex-girlfriend of William Hayes, Jr. who was allegedly assaulted and strangled by him, leaving her with a broken nose and cracked teeth.

McLennan County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the reported assault, arrested the suspect, and filed the charges against him.

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What they’re saying

“Deputies later located Hayes at his residence in the 100 block of Pepper Lane in Elm Mott, the affidavit states. A deputy noted what appeared to be blood on the back of Hayes' shorts, according to the report.”

— Deputy

“At the jail, deputies told staff they intended to seize Hayes' clothing as evidence. The affidavit states jail staff reported Hayes had removed his shorts and placed them in a toilet, which deputies described as an attempt to destroy evidence.”

— Deputy

What’s next

Hayes is being held on bonds totaling $26,000. The case will proceed through the criminal justice system, with the suspect facing potential conviction and sentencing if found guilty.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the serious nature of domestic violence incidents involving strangulation, which can have long-lasting health impacts on victims. It also underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in collecting evidence and holding perpetrators accountable in these types of cases.