A tragic incident unfolded when a 4-year-old girl courageously dialed 911 to report that her mother had been fatally stabbed, just days after they had fled from the violence of her father. The heartbreaking event took place in Portland, Ore., where Neilyann Ysam, a 24-year-old woman, was found dead in a home on July 19th. Authorities responded to a distressing call regarding a stabbing, only to discover Ysam’s lifeless body at the scene. S Mate Joseph, aged 28 and the father of Ysam’s children, was swiftly arrested in Vancouver, Wash., on a murder charge related to the incident.
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The devastating nature of the situation was further revealed when reports indicated that Ysam had been in hiding from Joseph, seeking refuge at her aunt’s residence. The brave 4-year-old girl who made the life-saving call to 911 also disclosed to authorities, “My dad killed my mom,” as per details from an arrest affidavit obtained by KATU. Tragically, this horrendous event unfolded as the child and her siblings were present in the home during the fatal incident. Fortunately, the children were unharmed and were swiftly removed from the scene by Portland Police.
Ysam’s aunt shared with officials that the victim and her children had sought shelter at her home after escaping from the alleged violence at the hands of Joseph. This was not the first encounter with violence for Ysam, as records showed that Joseph had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting her while she was pregnant in 2019. Additionally, in 2020, he was found in violation of a protection order that had been issued against him the previous year. The pattern of abuse and control in the relationship between Ysam and Joseph is a troubling reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic violence situations.
Following his arrest, Joseph has been charged with second-degree murder and first-degree burglary by Portland Police. He has entered not guilty pleas in response to the charges. The case serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and the critical importance of early intervention and support for victims. Resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline, offering confidential and toll-free assistance in multiple languages, are vital for those experiencing abuse and seeking help. It is imperative to raise awareness and foster a community where individuals feel empowered to seek help and break the cycle of violence.
The tragic loss of Neilyann Ysam shines a light on the devastating impact of domestic violence on families and communities. The courage displayed by her young daughter in reporting the harrowing incident serves as a reminder of the resilience and bravery exhibited by survivors of such traumas. As the legal proceedings unfold in the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, it is crucial to address the systemic issues that perpetuate cycles of abuse and to provide support to those in need. The memory of Neilyann Ysam serves as a poignant call to action to prevent further tragedies and to advocate for a world free from domestic violence.