Police are searching for Byron Stokley, a 47-year old Irvington man (pictured left) who is alleged to have thrown a pot of hot oil and water on his ex-wife while she slept earlier this week.
Reports reveal that the ex-wife had let Stokley into her residence voluntarily. He apparently waited until she fell asleep before committing the violent assault, then stole her keys and fled the scene in her motor vehicle. The vehicle was later recovered.
The ex-wife, whose identity has not been released, remains hospitalized, but is in stable condition, according to a representative from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. She is being treated for severe burns to her face and upper body.
Authorities announced yesterday that a warrant had been issued for Stokley’s arrest in connection with the incident. He has initially been charged with Aggravated Assault. More charges are likely to follow. Because of Stokley’s prior relationship with the victim, the incident has been characterized as one of domestic violence.
Anyone with information about the assault is being urged to call the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tip line at 1-877-847-7432 or the Irvington Police Department at 973-399-6530.
For more about the incident, see the Star-Ledger article entitled, “Irvington man poured hot oil on his ex-wife as she slept, police say.”
Depending on the degree of the crime charge and Stokley’s prior criminal record, if any, he could face upwards of 3 years in New Jersey State Prison if convicted. Additionally, a domestic violence conviction could mean exposure to a number of collateral consequences.
