How Zachary Gross Heartlessly Scalped His Ex-Girlfriend, Marilyn Stanley.

Marilyn Stanley, 25, from Kentucky, was dating Zachary Gross, 31, but she decided to end their relationship as he became physically abusive. She said he became obsessed with her after the breakup and even got a job at the same book warehouse where she worked.

She agreed to meet him one last time at his place to talk things over in September 2015, hoping to calm him down. But instead, he flew into a jealous rage and beat her mercilessly for two hours. Additionally, Gross commanded his pit bull, Capone, to attack Stanley, resulting in the dog biting off a significant portion of her right ear.

Then he used a pink folding knife that she had brought for protection to cut off her scalp, right down to the bone. He put the bloody piece of skin and hair in a plastic bag and handed it to her as he drove her past her mother's house and dumped her on the street.

According to prosecutors, Gross launched the attack after flying into a jealous rage when he saw a photograph another man had posted on Facebook of Stanley in a park with her son.

He asked for a kiss before letting her go, and told her that no one would ever want her again with her bald skull.

Marilyn's mother called an ambulance and she was rushed to hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery. A severed artery in her scalp was pumping out blood and she had multiple fractures in her ribs and face.

She was shocked to learn from the doctor that her scalp had been cut off and that her hair would never grow back. She said she felt like she was in a horror movie and that Zachary wanted her to live with the reminder of what he did to her every day.

Zachary is Arrested

Zachary was arrested and charged with assault, kidnapping and animal cruelty. He pleaded not guilty and claimed that Marilyn had attacked him first and that injuries were caused by his dog Capone. He also said that Capone had bitten off her ear and that he had tried to help her by giving her the bag with her scalp.

Gross continued to maintain that his dog 'Capone' was responsible for the injuries to Marilyn Stanley.

'For her injuries — I feel horrible for what happened,' Gross told Judge Rick Brueggemann. 'I don't feel responsible. I maintain my innocence. It is what it is. I'm not asking for your mercy. Just give me the 20. I don't need a lecture'.

However, the jury did not buy his story and found him guilty on all counts. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison, with no possibility of parole for at least 17 years. He also lost custody of his son, who was four years old at the time of the attack.

Stanley underwent six surgeries and experienced lasting nerve damage, according to her statements. During Gross' trial, a trauma surgeon provided testimony affirming that the lacerations on her head were indicative of a sharp knife being used.

Marilyn said she was relieved that he was behind bars and that justice was served. She said she still suffers from nightmares, flashbacks and depression, but she is trying to move on with her life. She wears a wig to cover her scars and has undergone several reconstructive surgeries to repair her ear and face.

She said she wants to share her story to raise awareness about domestic violence and to inspire other survivors to speak out. She said she hopes that by telling her story, she can help prevent other women from going through the same ordeal as she did.

Source: [Marilyn Stanley's personal account]