Ariz. Mom Charged With Killing 13-Y-O Daughter; Attempted to Murder 3 Other Children and Ex-Husband on Christmas Day
An Arizona woman allegedly killed her oldest child on Christmas day and attempted to kill three younger children, herself and her ex-husband who she stabbed repeatedly before he escaped.
Connie Villa, 35, of Casa Grande, was arrested at about 9 a.m. Sunday at Maricopa Medical Center and charged with the first-degree murder of her oldest child, Aniarael Macias, and the attempted murder of her three other children and her ex-husband, 33-year-old Adam Villa, according to AZFamily.com.
Casa Grande Police say Adam Villa called 911 and reported a domestic dispute saying that he had been stabbed by his ex-wife and was driving himself to Casa Grande Regional Medical Center.
Officers rushed to Connie Villa's apartment and forced their way in where they found her inside bleeding from stab wounds to her upper body while she held a knife to her chest as three of her children ages 3, 5 and 8, remained by her side.
The injured woman was subdued, and while going through the apartment they found Macias, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
"On behalf of Michael Macias, Ania's father, Vera Macias, Ania's grandmother and extended family, we request that the focus of this tragedy be a celebration of our precious Ania's life. She was a gentle, kind and beautiful spirit who was taken from us much too soon. Michael and his family are heartbroken," said a statement from Macias' family.
"Ania was always smiling. She loved her brothers and sisters. She enjoyed spending time with her father and sister, Gaby. We are writing this statement in hopes that the media and other outlets will allow Michael and our family to grieve peacefully. We thank everyone for the outpouring of support for our family. We appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts. We pray that justice will be served," it ended.
A police investigation later revealed that Connie Villa had force fed her children prescription narcotic drugs to kill them and that she had lured her ex-husband to her apartment.
Macias, according to an autopsy conducted in Pima County, did not have any noticeable injuries and did not indicate a cause of death. Traces of opiates were found in the systems of the other children. Official toxicology reports for all the children are expected to take up to three weeks.
As the investigation continues, Connie Villa may also face more charges.
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