An Arizona woman is recovering in hospital after sustaining serious injuries in an alleged stabbing incident involving her fiancé. Zachary Velasquez has been charged with aggravated assault following the attack on Emily Byles, his fiancée, which took place earlier this month.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Mom-Says-Fiance-Stabbed-Her-in-Face-and-Neck-with-Scissors-Weeks-Before-Wedding-102926-e6c0ceb03b3b4f49ae004144e1c6cd8a.jpg)
According to a probable cause statement from Glendale Police, the incident came to light when Byles’ 11-year-old daughter called emergency services. The young girl reported to dispatchers that she was concerned about her parents amidst a backdrop of shouting. Responding patrols arrived at the family home on October 5 and had to force their way into the couple’s bedroom upon hearing Byles’ vocal pleas for help.
Upon entering the room, officers found Byles lying on her back, surrounded by blood. She revealed to the police that she believed Velasquez had attempted to kill her. Investigating officers noted the extent of her injuries, which included significant bleeding from a stab wound to her neck. Authorities reported that Byles mentioned Velasquez had been using methamphetamine and that he had bizarrely claimed to be a prophet who needed to kill her “to save her.”
The severity of Byles’ injuries necessitated urgent surgery, as the attack had caused damage to her vertebral artery, putting her life in danger. In a GoFundMe campaign set up following the attack, Byles shared her traumatic experience, stating, “I was stabbed multiple times, my artery was cut, and I was severely beaten.” She also revealed that the terrifying incident occurred just a month prior to their planned wedding.
After her surgery, Byles provided further details to police regarding the assailant’s behaviour. She claimed that Velasquez had made threats against her life and insisted he could hear her thoughts, alleging that he believed she was “talking s—” about him. In a shocking assertion, he purportedly stated that it was God’s intention for her to perish.
Velasquez was taken into custody after the incident, where he allegedly confessed to placing Byles in a chokehold and striking her in what he described as self-defence. However, it remains unclear whether he has formally entered a plea to the charges against him.
In her GoFundMe message, Byles lamented the aftermath of the altercation, describing her home as “unlivable” due to the horrific events that had transpired. She reflected on the emotional and physical toll it has taken on her and her family, revealing that she lost personal possessions and that she and her daughters had been separated for safety. Byles is currently recovering from her injuries while staying with a friend, while her daughters are being cared for by her sister.
The community has shown support for Byles during this challenging time, and the GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist with her medical expenses and other associated costs.
This distressing case raises important questions surrounding domestic violence. In light of Byles’ experience, individuals in similar situations are encouraged to seek help and resources. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233 or online at thehotline.org, offering confidential support 24/7 in over 170 languages.
As more information about the case emerges, both law enforcement and community members continue to rally around Byles, hoping for her full recovery and advocating for awareness about the serious nature of domestic violence.