After much discussion and negotiation, Tyquarius Stubbs entered an Alford plea in connection with an assault on a pregnant woman in August of 2022.
Appearing alongside defense attorney Eric Bearden, Stubbs entered an Alford plea for second-degree attempted fetal homicide, second-degree assault and numerous other charges, with Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Bolen informing the court it comes with a recommend sentence of six-years in total.
Bolen went on to say that they have had frequent contact with the victim in this case, who says she wants Stubbs to undergo a mental health screening or take what medications he is supposed to.
The victim has reported that the infant involved in the case is healthy.
Judge John Atkins accepted Stubbs’ Alford plea—an Alford plea is functionally a guilty plea where the defendant maintains their innocence but acknowledges there is enough evidence that if it went to trial, it would likely end in a conviction. The defense requested Stubbs be released pending final sentencing, but the judge held off on making that ruling Wednesday, telling both sides to file written arguments in the matter.
Final sentencing was set for September 20.
Stubbs assaulted a pregnant woman in 2022, using the buckle of a belt to strike the woman, in addition to punching and kicking her numerous times. He also strangled the victim and put a table in front the door when she tried to leave, threatening to kill her if she called police.