A Wisconsin man has been accused of carrying out a brutal stabbing attack on his ex-girlfriend while she was holding their 11-month-old baby.
Authorities say the woman survived multiple serious injuries, and the child also survived despite being covered in blood during the terrifying incident. Police later tracked down and arrested the suspect after he allegedly fled the area following the attack.
The case has shocked the local community because of the violent nature of the assault and the fact that the baby was present during the incident. Investigators say the suspect, 28-year-old Ivan Canchola-Garcia, now faces several serious criminal charges.
Woman Called 911 Saying She Thought She Was Dying
According to court documents, police in La Crosse, Wisconsin, responded to a 911 call on May 15, 2026, after a woman reported that she believed she was dying. When officers arrived at the scene, neighbors were already trying to help the injured woman and her infant daughter.
Emergency crews rushed the victim, identified online as Kayla, to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment. Authorities said she suffered multiple stab wounds and was in serious condition.
The victim’s mother reportedly told investigators that the relationship between Kayla and Canchola-Garcia had a history of violence and previous conflicts.
Victim Suffered Multiple Serious Injuries
Doctors reportedly had to intubate Kayla because of the severity of her injuries. Court documents state that she was stabbed in the neck, shoulder, and armpit area during the attack.
Neighbors told police that Kayla was holding the baby while the stabbing happened. Although the child did not appear to suffer physical injuries, her clothes were reportedly soaked in blood from the attack.
Investigators later learned that Canchola-Garcia allegedly confessed details of the attack to a friend shortly afterward. According to reports, he told the friend that he “tried to kill her” and specifically targeted her neck during the assault.
The friend also informed police that the suspect admitted to waiting outside the victim’s home for around 20 minutes before carrying out the attack.
Police Used Cameras to Track Suspect
After the stabbing, authorities immediately launched a search for Canchola-Garcia. Investigators reportedly used Flock camera technology to trace his vehicle’s movements around La Crosse.
Police said the suspect stopped near a Kwik Trip gas station, where he allegedly threw away several items connected to the crime, including a knife, a sheath, gloves, and an N95 mask. Investigators later found another glove at the crime scene.
Authorities tracked the suspect traveling out of Wisconsin, and cameras later detected his vehicle near Chicago on May 16.
Suspect Arrested in Indiana
Police eventually obtained an arrest warrant and located Canchola-Garcia in Indiana. He was arrested around 7 p.m. and taken into custody without incident.
He was later transported to the Whitestown Police Department while authorities prepared charges related to the attack.
According to reports, Canchola-Garcia now faces charges including first-degree attempted intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon, and domestic abuse.
Case Highlights Dangers of Domestic Violence
The disturbing incident has once again highlighted the dangers of domestic violence and the long-term risks victims may face after relationships end. Advocates often warn that violence can escalate quickly, especially when there is a history of abuse or threats.
Neighbors who helped the victim before emergency crews arrived have been praised for stepping in during the frightening situation. Their quick actions may have helped save lives before medical teams reached the scene.
The fact that the baby survived unharmed despite being present during the attack has also left many people shocked and emotional.
Community Reacts to Shocking Attack
Residents in the area have expressed sadness and anger over the violent incident, especially because it involved a mother holding her infant child. Many people have also shared support for the victim as she continues recovering from her injuries.
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors move forward with the criminal case against Canchola-Garcia. Authorities have not released additional details about the victim’s current condition.
