WYANDANCH, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — A Long Island man was indicted for allegedly throwing sulfuric acid on his girlfriend, causing severe chemical burns to her face and body after she attempted to leave him.
The incident happened in the early morning hours of Nov. 16, at a Wyandanch residence where Douglas Graves, 42, had been staying.
According to officials, when the victim attempted to leave the house to return home, the two became involved in an argument. During the dispute, Graves allegedly picked up a Clorox bleach bottle containing sulfuric acid—a mixture the victim stated he regularly carried for "personal protection"—and deliberately splashed it onto her face and body before fleeing the scene.
The liquid instantly burned through the victim’s clothing and began melting it off her body, causing excruciating pain, authorities said. She was transported to a local hospital where the chemical burns continued to worsen for approximately a week, and she will require future reconstructive surgeries to repair the extensive damage caused to her skin.
Graves was located and arrested later that morning. While in custody, he allegedly made phone calls to two different female associates, attempting to solicit their help in preventing the victim from testifying, police said.
He also allegedly tried to contact the victim directly while she was still hospitalized by calling her from the jail.
Graves was arraigned on Dec. 11 on charges including assault, criminal possession of a weapon and charges related to tampering with a witness and criminal contempt. He is due back in court on Jan. 8, 2026.
Graves faces up to 25 years in state prison if convicted of the top charges.
“This kind of cruelty is unimaginable,” District Attorney Raymond Tierney said. “Survivors of domestic violence deserve unwavering protection, and we will not tolerate those who believe they can brutalize their partners without consequence."