Accused domestic abuser arrested | News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- On Thursday, Woodruff Avenue in the Murray Hill area turned into a crime scene.

"There were police cars everywhere," said George Atchley.

Atchley said the silence of his quiet community was broken by the sound of gunfire and the sirens of fire engines.

"It was foggy," he said, "Toxic smoke coming off the house."

Police went to a house to question Mykhail Abordi, a.k.a. Michael Walker about charges of domestic battery and sexual abuse. It turned into a SWAT standoff, police say, until he set the house on fire.

"At some point, the smoke became too much to handle for him so he came out and gave himself up," said JSO Melissa Bujeda.

According to a police report Abordi had boarded up the interior windows of the house. He allegedly abused and sexually assaulted his live in girlfriend a number of times.

In the report, police say during one incident he told her "I could kill you and easily make you disappear."

Gail Patin of Hubbard House, a shelter for victims of domestic abuse, says victims endure abuse for a number of reasons.

"They know they need help but sometimes won't go for it," said Patin, "for fear of what might happen if they do."

Patin said if there's anything anyone living with domestic abuse can learn from this incident, it is to plan an escape and tell somebody.

"Reach out for help, safely," she said.

Abordi is now in jail. In the meantime, law enforcement continue to search the fire damaged house for more evidence that could lead to more charges against him.

If you know of someone living with domestic abuse contact Hubbard House:

1-800-500-1119 or 904-354-3114