Salisbury, MD - Tyler Gaskins, a 30-year-old Salisbury man, was convicted in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County on April 29, 2024. Following a tense three-day bench trial presided over by Judge S. James Sarbanes, Gaskins was found guilty of Kidnapping, Assault in the First Degree, three counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Violation of a Protective Order, Witness Tampering, and Perjury. 

This disturbing case began to unfold in May of 2023 when Gaskins, suspecting that his girlfriend was cheating on him, violently attacked her. 

The violence worsened, culminating in threats to kill and physically assault her so severely that it left her with a broken sternum. The injury was caused when Gaskins punched the victim in the chest.

Gaskins forcibly took her to her ex-boyfriend's home to confront him about the alleged cheating, where he also attacked the ex-boyfriend with a knife.

Despite a Protective Order being issued against him, Gaskins continued his manipulation and control, contacting the victim numerous times. He instructed her to bring false charges against her ex-boyfriend to aid his own legal situation.

Wicomico County State's Attorney, Jamie Dykes, shone a light on the insidious nature of domestic violence. "This case is an example of how dangerous and explosive domestic violence can be," said Dykes. "The violence typically includes not only physical Assault but manipulation of victims, as seen here. I am proud of the effort by my Office and the Maryland State Police to ensure that justice was done in this case."

Dykes credited the Maryland State Police, specifically Trooper Eckrich, and Trooper Hopkins, along with Senior Assistant State's Attorneys Lauren Bourdon and Heather Clarke, for their determined pursuit of justice.

As a community, we need to remain vigilant to the threat of domestic violence. If you or someone you love is a victim of Domestic Violence, do not hesitate to ask for help. 

The Life Crisis Center operates a 24-hour hotline at (410) 749-4357 and provides an array of resources and support for victims of domestic violence.