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Man Sentenced for Hatchet Attack Over Cellphone Dispute

Abstract representation of conflict illustrating tension and anger.

News Summary

A man named Jaquan Marquis Sykes has been sentenced to prison for a violent hatchet attack following a disagreement over a broken cellphone. The attack, which resulted in severe injuries to the victim, escalated quickly after an argument. Sykes fled the scene but was later arrested during a traffic stop. He pleaded no contest to aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, receiving a two and a half-year sentence. This incident highlights the dangers of allowing anger to lead to violence in trivial disputes.

A Man’s Angry Outburst Leads to Hatchet Attack and Prison Time

In a rather shocking series of events, a 35-year-old man named Jaquan Marquis Sykes has found himself behind bars for a hatchet attack that unfolded right after a disagreement over a broken cellphone. This bizarre incident took place during the early morning hours on December 30, 2022, and left quite a mark not only on the victim but on everyone who hears the story.

Details of the Attack

What led to this outrageous attack was, believe it or not, a cellphone accident. Sykes had argued with another man, a 28-year-old, after the victim accidentally damaged Sykes’s phone on Christmas Day. Understandably, Sykes was upset, but escalating to violence is never the solution. After visiting Oneco Rose Bar to purchase some liquor, Sykes and the victim separated from their friend and ventured behind the bar. While there, tensions boiled over, resulting in Sykes striking the victim multiple times with a hatchet.

The aftermath was severe. The victim suffered numerous cuts and fractures to his upper body and head, necessitating hospitalization. In fact, he required surgical procedures, including the insertion of metal pins to assist in his recovery.

The Frightening Escape

After swinging the hatchet, rather than staying to account for his actions, Sykes returned alone to their friend in the vehicle. Not showing any signs of remorse, he told his companion to check on the injured man and promptly fled the scene. While escaping, he infamously yelled, “That was for breaking my phone.” Talk about taking things too far!

The Legal Fallout

Initially, Sykes faced an attempted murder charge because of his violent actions and alarming statements during the attack. However, he later pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, which is classified as a second-degree felony. This decision landed him a two and a half-year prison sentence after a judge in Manatee County handed down the ruling.

Consequences and Arrest

Following the attack, an arrest warrant was issued, and Sykes was finally apprehended on January 7, 2023, during a routine traffic stop. Interestingly, the hatchet used in the incident has never been recovered, leaving some questions surrounding the depths of the case.

Moving Forward

As Sykes serves his time, he received credit for the period he spent behind bars from January 2023 through November 2024. He also has a window of 30 days to appeal his sentence. This episode serves as a cautionary tale about how quickly a trivial dispute can escalate into a life-altering event. It’s crucial to remember that there are always better ways to handle conflict than resorting to violence, no matter how heated a situation may become.

The community is left to shake its head at the absurdity of the whole situation, reminding us all to think twice before allowing anger to dictate our actions.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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