A disturbing case of domestic violence in Texas has led to the arrest of a 39-year-old man accused of stabbing his live-in girlfriend multiple times during a heated argument. According to police, the attack happened after the suspect believed his girlfriend was cheating on him.
Investigators say the violent incident occurred inside the couple’s home in Waco and was fueled by jealousy and suspicion. The case has once again highlighted the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of reporting abusive behavior.
Texas Man Arrested After Violent Domestic Attack
Police in Waco, Texas arrested Joe Herrera, 39, after he allegedly stabbed his live-in girlfriend several times in the chest with a knife.
The incident happened on March 3 at a home located on Colcord Avenue in Waco, a city about 100 miles northwest of Austin.
According to the Waco Police Department, officers were sent to the residence after a 911 call reported an active disturbance involving a stabbing.
When police arrived, they found a large window at the front of the house broken and Herrera standing in the yard with blood on his shirt.
Investigators quickly identified him as the suspect in the stabbing.
Victim Described the Attack
According to an arrest affidavit, the victim told police that Herrera attacked her with a paring knife.
She said he stabbed or “stuck” her in the chest several times with the tip of the knife before she managed to push him outside and lock the door.
Police officers observed visible injuries on the woman that matched her description of the attack.
Authorities also photographed the injuries as part of the investigation.
Suspect Claimed He Saw Another Man
During questioning, Herrera told police he believed his girlfriend was inside the house with another man.
He claimed he saw his girlfriend naked through the window along with a man he did not recognize.
Herrera admitted to smashing the front window while trying to get back into the house.
According to his statement, he believed an unknown man ran away from the home after the window broke.
However, investigators said there was no evidence that another person had been inside the residence.
Police believe Herrera may have jumped to conclusions after seeing his girlfriend without pants and wrongly assumed she was with another man.
Jealousy and Past Conflicts
Investigators also learned that Herrera had been suspicious of his girlfriend for some time.
According to police, he often accused her of cheating and wanted to check her cellphone.
Authorities said many of the couple’s arguments were connected to his jealousy and his desire to know where she was going.
Detectives also noted in the affidavit that Herrera has a prior history of domestic violence convictions.
Arrest and Charges
Herrera was arrested and charged with aggravated assault related to family violence.
He was booked into the McLennan County Jail with a bond set at $20,000.
As of the latest update, he is no longer listed on the jail’s inmate roster. Officials have not yet added the case to the McLennan County court system docket.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Domestic Violence Concerns
Cases like this highlight the serious risks involved in domestic violence situations.
Experts say warning signs of abusive behavior can include:
- Extreme jealousy or controlling behavior
- Monitoring a partner’s phone or social media
- Isolating a partner from friends or family
- Escalating arguments that turn violent
Authorities encourage victims or witnesses of domestic violence to report incidents and seek help as early as possible.
