Lakes Man Charged with Threats Against Fiancé and Mother-in-Law: “I Can End You”

Maricopa police responded to a domestic dispute on Bravo Drive late Thursday night. Upon arrival, officers heard a woman pleading for help, exclaiming, “We are not OK, please help.”

Inside the residence, police discovered 62-year-old Paul Gagliano, his fiancée, and her 91-year-old mother, all exhibiting visible injuries including cuts and bruises, as noted in a probable cause statement.

An argument had erupted over allowing their dogs to remain in the home during dinner. According to the fiancée, the dispute escalated rapidly, with Gagliano shouting, throwing objects, and pursuing her as she attempted to escape the situation.

To intervene, the fiancée struck Gagliano with a walking cane belonging to her mother, but this effort proved ineffective. Gagliano subsequently pushed her onto the bed with a broomstick and attempted to choke her while allegedly threatening, “I can end you.” She managed to break free from his grip.

Despite the chaos, Gagliano continued to damage property within the home and physically restrained his fiancée by pulling her from the door. His fiancée’s mother attempted to assist by hitting Gagliano with a broomstick, but he retaliated by pushing her to the ground.

When officers questioned Gagliano about the incident, he declined to provide any details, only stating, “I fell down” in response to inquiries about his injuries. He then requested legal counsel.

Police observed injuries on both the fiancée and her mother, aligning with their accounts of the situation as detailed in the probable cause statement.

As a result of the confrontation, Gagliano was arrested and faces charges of assault and disorderly conduct related to domestic violence. He may potentially receive a lengthy prison sentence pending legal proceedings.

For individuals facing domestic violence in Maricopa, support resources are available:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)