A late-night confrontation in West Valley City ended in horror Friday when a Kearns man allegedly stabbed his estranged wife multiple times, leaving her with a collapsed lung and in critical condition, according to charging documents filed Tuesday. Police say she was rushed to the hospital while officers later tracked down the suspect at a Kearns home, where he had also injured himself.
What charging documents say
Prosecutors have charged 33-year-old Oswald Herrera-Amaya with attempted murder and aggravated burglary, both first-degree felonies, according to KSL. The affidavit states Herrera-Amaya had recently separated from his wife and showed up without warning while she was packing. Prosecutors allege he grabbed her by the throat, pulled out a knife and began stabbing her, then left briefly, came back with a larger kitchen knife and continued the attack.
The woman, according to the charges, "pretended to be dead" to get Herrera-Amaya to stop. Court documents say she suffered multiple stab wounds, cuts to her hands and ears, and a collapsed lung.
Police response and arrest
West Valley City officers told FOX13 that the investigation began around 11 p.m. Friday when a woman called dispatch reporting she had been stabbed. Investigators say they later traced Herrera-Amaya to a residence in Kearns, where he was found with what preliminary findings suggest were self-inflicted wounds. Both the woman and the man were taken to local hospitals, and Herrera-Amaya was taken into custody.
Court process
Herrera-Amaya is booked into the 3rd District Court facing charges that carry potentially severe prison time if he is convicted. KSL reports that charging documents cite an alleged statement from him that "if he can't have her, no one can," a line prosecutors point to in support of the attempted murder counts. As of Tuesday, it was not yet clear when his next court hearing would be held or what bail conditions prosecutors might seek.
Help for survivors
If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate-partner violence, confidential help is available 24/7. The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition runs a statewide hotline at 1-800-897-LINK and offers resources at UDVC. The YWCA Utah provides survivor services and support at YWCA Utah. Nationally, you can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or online at TheHotline.org. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
