Peach County Man Sentenced to 35 Years After Breaking Into Ex-Girlfriend’s Home and Attacking Couple With Knife

PEACH COUNTY, Ga. — A 57-year-old man has been sentenced to 35 years after a Peach County jury convicted him of breaking into his former girlfriend’s home and attacking her and her boyfriend with a knife while a 9-year-old child witnessed the violence.

Bruce Campbell, 57, was convicted Wednesday, October 14, 2026, of home invasion and aggravated assault in connection with the May 24, 2023, attack.

Campbell received a 35-year sentence, with the first 15 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections.

According to prosecutors, the attack followed months of unwanted contact, repeated telephone calls and threats after the woman ended her relationship with Campbell.

Prosecutors Say Campbell Called Former Girlfriend More Than 50 Times a Day

According to the prosecution, the woman ended her relationship with Campbell several months before the attack.

Campbell refused to accept the breakup and began repeatedly contacting her.

Prosecutors said he called the woman more than 50 times a day, threatened her and appeared at her residence without warning.

In March 2023, approximately two months before the attack, Campbell showed up unannounced at her home.

The unwanted contact continued until the violent confrontation in May.

District Attorney Anita R. Howard described the conduct as a pattern of harassment and intimidation that escalated into physical violence.

Campbell Forced His Way Into Home and Attacked Couple With Knife

On May 24, 2023, Campbell forced his way into his former girlfriend’s residence.

Once inside, he attacked the woman and her boyfriend with a knife, according to prosecutors.

The boyfriend sustained a deep laceration to his upper torso during the assault.

Despite his injury, the man fought Campbell off until police arrived at the residence.

Nine-Year-Old Child Witnessed Violent Attack

A 9-year-old child was inside the residence when Campbell forced his way into the home.

According to prosecutors, the child witnessed the attack.

Although the information released did not indicate that the child suffered physical injuries, witnessing violence in the home can have serious emotional and psychological consequences.

Research on childhood exposure to domestic violence has associated these experiences with increased risks of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms and difficulties at school.

Such effects can continue beyond childhood, making early intervention and support especially important for children exposed to violence.

The child’s identity and relationship to the adults involved were not disclosed.

Peach County Jury Convicts Campbell of Home Invasion and Aggravated Assault

The case proceeded to trial in Peach County, where jurors heard evidence about the attack and Campbell’s conduct following the end of the relationship.

On October 14, 2026, the jury returned guilty verdicts for home invasion and aggravated assault.

District Attorney Howard said jurors quickly reached their decision after considering the evidence.

“This victim did everything right. She ended the relationship, and he refused to accept it,” Howard said. “The jury saw the pattern for what it was and reached a verdict quickly.”

Campbell was sentenced to 35 years, with 15 years to be served in prison.

The prosecution was handled by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Taylor Wilson and Assistant District Attorney Hannah Frantz.

District Attorney Highlights Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The conviction came during October, which is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Howard used the announcement to encourage people experiencing harassment, stalking or threats from a current or former partner to seek assistance.

“October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and I encourage anyone who is being harassed, stalked, or threatened to reach out to law enforcement or our Victim Services team,” Howard said.

The case illustrates how repeated unwanted contact and threats following the end of a relationship can precede serious violence.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence can contact local law enforcement or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In an emergency, call 911.