A man from Newark is currently detained at the Licking County Justice Center on a bond of $1.5 million following accusations by the police of a brutal assault on his girlfriend, resulting in her being placed on life support.
Andrew M. Hoskinson, aged 23, is facing an attempted murder charge as of Friday afternoon. Prosecutors may consider elevating this charge pending a grand jury review, as per court records from Licking County.
Reports indicate that on Sunday, Hoskinson’s girlfriend, identified as 21-year-old Tala Smith by her family, was discovered unresponsive with severe bruising in a vehicle on Eddy Street.
According to court documents, Hoskinson confessed to detectives that he and Smith, his long-term partner, engaged in an argument at their Dewey Avenue residence earlier that day. Hoskinson mentioned that during the altercation, he expressed suicidal thoughts.
Subsequently, Hoskinson left the house in a vehicle with Smith, who joined him in the backseat. They drove to the Manning Street bridge, where an unfortunate incident unfolded. Hoskinson claimed that as he contemplated jumping off the bridge, Smith pursued him, leading to her accidental fall and subsequent injuries.
Following the incident, Hoskinson transported Smith to his father’s residence on Eddy Street, where law enforcement was contacted. Smith was then taken to Licking Memorial Hospital before being airlifted to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center for further treatment.
However, medical professionals at the Columbus hospital found inconsistencies between Hoskinson’s account and Smith’s injuries. The court records revealed extensive bruising on Smith’s body, including indications of strangulation.
Subsequent investigations and conversations with medical experts led to Hoskinson admitting to possible strangulation during the argument at their home. Hoskinson initially attributed Smith’s bruises to a prior car accident and self-inflicted harm but later recanted his statements.
Notably, Newark police issued a public appeal for information regarding an unspecified incident at the bridge on Sunday midnight, urging witnesses, especially those near a dark sedan, to come forward.
As of the latest update, Smith remains on life support with minimal brain activity, prompting discussions about organ donation. Family members have indicated a grim prognosis for her recovery.
A fundraising initiative has garnered over \(4,200 to support Smith’s situation. Hoskinson’s bond was set at \)1.5 million during a court hearing due to the severity of the offense and his alleged admission of involvement in Smith’s injuries.
The case is slated for review by a grand jury for potential indictment in the near future.