Staunton man pleads guilty to felony domestic violence against ex-girlfriend

WAYNESBORO, Va. (WHSV) – Aero Smith pleaded guilty in Waynesboro Circuit Court after being accused of assaulting his partner, leaving her hospitalized.

On November 13, 2022, Waynesboro Police were notified of a potential domestic violence incident. The assault victim was taken to Augusta Health for her injuries, suffering multiple bruises, strangulation marks and cuts along her body. She survived the attack.

In court records, evidence showed four different weapons found in the home that Smith used to attack his former girlfriend: a revolver pistol, a knife, a hammer and a metal baseball bat.

Smith was convicted of:

• An assault charge – specifically related to strangulation, which has its own VA code section
• One count of using a firearm in the commission of a felony
• One count of kidnapping

Smith was sentenced to 23 years in prison for these convictions, 15 of which were suspended.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, domestic violence is considered a significant public health problem. In a survey by the CDC, approximately 41% of women and 26% of men have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Additionally, more than 114 million people have experienced psychological abuse from an intimate partner.

The problem in Virginia is just as widespread. In a study by VAData, more than 23,000 Virginians received domestic violence defense services in Virginia. Many people who experience domestic violence flee their homes to avoid danger to their lives. In Virginia, more than 5,000 adults and children have been transferred to Virginia emergency shelters.

The Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) is a 24/7 resource that anyone can use for confidential assistance.

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