An Arizona woman narrowly survived a brutal stabbing by her fiance just one month before their scheduled wedding. Emily Byles was attacked with scissors by Zachary Velasquez, who allegedly stated it was "God's plan for her to die."
The incident occurred on October 5, when Byles' 11-year-old daughter called 911 after hearing screams from her parents' bedroom. Responding officers forced entry into the room and found Byles on the floor, covered in blood and holding scissors. Velasquez was found nearby with blood on his hands.
Byles told police that Velasquez had been using methamphetamine and attempted to kill her, claiming he was a prophet. According to court documents, he allegedly instructed her to lie down and threatened to kill her if she moved, repeating that it was "God's plan for her to die."
The attack left Byles with a deep laceration on her neck that struck her vertebral artery and significant bruising on her face. She was transported to a hospital in critical condition and required surgery. "I was stabbed multiple times, my artery was cut, and I was severely beaten," Byles wrote on a GoFundMe page established to cover her medical expenses. "I was not supposed to survive, but by God’s grace I did."
Byles reported that their home was left unlivable due to the extensive bloodstains. She has been staying with a friend while she recovers, and her daughters are being cared for by her sister. Byles credited her oldest daughter with showing immense courage by calling 911.
Velasquez has a prior arrest record, including charges for armed robbery with a deadly weapon and aggravated robbery. He is currently being held in jail and faces charges including aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, intimidation, and recklessly handling or displaying a weapon.