“Snapped;” Man Serving Jail Sentence Following Domestic Battery by Strangulation Conviction
On October 16, L-David Quavoyn Lewis, 30, was sentenced to 210 days in the Alachua County Jail and three years of probation following a no contest plea and conviction for domestic battery by strangulation. With 119 days of credit for time served in jail, Lewis is scheduled to be released in mid-January.
Facing up to five years in prison for the felony, Lewis took a plea deal that was accepted by Judge James Colaw.
According to the arrest report, in June of this year, Lewis was arguing with the victim, asking her why they couldn’t be in a relationship. The victim told police that Lewis “snapped” on her, striking her numerous times in the face because she gave an answer that he didn’t want to hear. The struggle continued into the hallway, with Lewis grabbing and pressing the victim against the wall with the pole on her neck, obstructing her ability to breathe.
Police observed the victim with visible injuries, and she was transported to the hospital.
Once detained, Lewis reportedly attempted to blame the victim, stating she was “bowing up” before a struggle ensued. Regarding the pole, Lewis stated it was falling, and he caught it to prevent it from hitting a nearby child. “She thought I was going to use it on her,” said Lewis, denying intent.
While his case was open, Lewis wrote a letter asking the court for a bond reduction hearing. In the letter, Lewis doesn't talk about specifics pertaining to his case, however, he does speak on wanting to "do better" and support his family, stating release re-entry programs have assisted him.
In March 2022, Lewis was arrested and charged with grand theft of a vehicle and domestic battery by strangulation. He spent 40 days in jail until his release because prosecutors didn’t formally file any charges and the case was dropped soon after. However, he would be convicted of two misdemeanor charges and sentenced to time served for breaking a no contact order with the victim by calling her twice while in the Alachua County Jail.
According to Columbia County Court Records, Lewis was sentenced to 18 months in prison in October 2023 for violating his probation in a case where he was convicted of habitually driving with a suspended license and possession of a controlled substance.
