DOTHAN, Ala. — A Houston County judge has sentenced Latarius Mylik Dale to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of first-degree domestic violence for a brutal claw hammer attack on his former girlfriend, Brittany Moulton. The assault left Moulton with serious injuries, affecting her vision and altering her daily life.
The sentencing, which took place on May 21, marked the conclusion of a harrowing chapter that began with the attack in February 2025 at Moulton’s Lovetown home. After the end of their relationship, Moulton cut off contact with Dale, prompting him to break into her home and assault her. The court heard how Dale struck Moulton more than two dozen times, leaving her near death.
Moulton attended the courtroom proceedings, where she expressed her emotional relief as the verdict was read. She articulated her desire for her story to resonate with other victims of domestic violence, stating that justice had been served. Following the attack, she spent two weeks recovering at UAB Hospital in Birmingham.
The violent incident unfolded after Moulton had decisively ended their relationship in November 2024. She recounted blocking Dale’s attempts to communicate, which prosecutors indicated triggered his violent response. Authorities labeled the assault a home invasion, underscoring its severity and the premeditated nature of Dale’s actions.
On the night of the assault, Moulton recalled hearing footsteps before encountering a shadowy figure. The initial blow knocked her unconscious, and she woke up with grievous injuries. Struggling to escape, she made her way to a neighbor’s yard but collapsed outside and was discovered the following morning.
Moulton’s injuries included a metal plate installed in her skull from the beaten she endured, along with severe damage to her right eye that left her unable to see. Her physical scars, coupled with her resilience, became pivotal in highlighting the severity of the attack before jurors.
This case carried a complicated history, as Dale had faced charges for domestic violence against Moulton in the past, although those previous allegations did not result in incarceration. Moulton had requested the earlier charges be dismissed, believing that they could reconcile for the sake of their children. However, her relationship with Dale became irreparable, leading to the events of February 2025.
The jury’s decision reflected a grave understanding of domestic violence and the risks posed by perpetrators, even those without significant prior offenses. Despite the life sentence, which includes the possibility of parole, Dale remains incarcerated while awaiting any potential appeals.
Moulton’s survival story resonated throughout the Wiregrass region, shedding light on the challenges faced by domestic violence victims. Her journey from the attack to the courtroom provided a powerful narrative, underscoring the importance of seeking help and finding one’s voice in the aftermath of trauma.
Though the life sentence offers some sense of closure for Moulton, she remains committed to sharing her experience. Her resolve to continue advocating for victims draws attention to the ongoing battle against domestic violence and the need for community awareness and support.