Spurned Advance Led to Attempted Murder

A Toms River man has been convicted of attempted murder for trying to kill a woman at a New Year's Eve party because she had previously rebuffed his romantic advances.

Robert Hankins of Toms River was also convicted on weapons charges in the 2011 attack, which occurred at a crowded party in Lakewood.

The Asbury Park Press reports that the Ocean County jury deliberated for just five minutes before returning its verdict this week. Prosecutors say they will seek a prison term of nearly 27 years for Hankins when he's sentenced March 28.

Witnesses testified that Hankins put the 58-year-old victim in a chokehold and slashed her neck. He then took the same knife and slit his own throat.