10-and-14-year-old siblings stabbed by their father’s girlfriend while trying to calm her down after she said she will “go out in a bang”; woman convicted
Florida – In a harrowing case in Florida, a 40-year-old woman, identified as D. Rodriguez, has been found guilty of the attempted murder and aggravated assault of two young children in what prosecutors described as a shocking act of violence. Rodriguez will now face a lengthy prison sentence in connection with the violent incident that took place last year where she stabbed her partner’s two children—a 14-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl.
During her trial, Rodriguez testified in her own defense, claiming that she acted in self-defense. She claimed that the children’s father had ordered them to attack her. However, the jury rejected her testimony and found her guilty on all counts.
The troubling events began after an argument between Rodriguez and her boyfriend while they were out for dinner. Upon returning to the house, prosecutors stated that she expressed intentions to harm herself. Concerned, her boyfriend and his children tried to calm her down. At that moment, Rodriguez pulled out a knife and declared she was going to “go out in a bang.” She then attacked the family members. She stabbed the 14-year-old boy in the left shoulder and chest area and the 10-year-old girl in her left shoulder.
Despite his injuries, the brave 14-year-old managed to dial 911 for help. Deputies from the sheriff’s office arrived within minutes. The young boy, visibly bleeding, opened the front door for them. Inside, deputies found the boyfriend restraining Rodriguez, who was promptly arrested. As they searched the home, deputies discovered the 10-year-old girl lying in a pool of blood in a bedroom, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Both children had sustained life-threatening injuries. Emergency services airlifted them to the hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The father of the children had also been injured while fighting and disarming Rodriguez. He showed deputies where he had tossed the weapon—a paring knife with a black handle and blood on the blade. Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9. She faces at least 20 years in prison for the felony battery charge, up to 30 years for the attempted murder charges, and up to life imprisonment for the aggravated child abuse with a weapon counts.
Sheriff M. Lopez described the relationship between Rodriguez and her boyfriend as “very odd.” He explained that they were not in a traditional relationship and suggested that she may have rented a room from him or had casual encounters. “It is domestic, but it was not a relationship where they’re all living as a family,” Lopez said. He added that the boyfriend likely wanted to end the relationship, which may have led to the argument and subsequent attack. “Then she just lost it and went nuts,” he stated. Both children survived the horrific ordeal, thanks to the quick actions of the 14-year-old boy and the swift response of first responders. The case underscores the dangers of domestic violence and highlights the bravery of individuals who act to protect others.
