Neilyann Ysam, aged 24, decided to leave her abusive partner and took her four children to seek refuge at her aunt’s residence after enduring violence at their home. Despite her attempt to escape, her partner, S Mate Joseph, aged 29, managed to track them down. In a tragic turn of events, Joseph allegedly fatally stabbed Neilyann in front of their children and another individual present at the scene.
Following the horrifying incident, Neilyann’s brave four-year-old daughter promptly contacted the police in Portland, Oregon, and succinctly reported the situation: “My dad killed my mom.” Joseph also contacted the authorities, admitting to stabbing a “loved one” and providing a partial address that matched the location where Neilyann was found. Fortunately, the children were unharmed, as the police swiftly removed them from the crime scene. Joseph was apprehended later that day in his hometown in Washington.
Joseph’s history of abusing Neilyann was well-documented. In a previous incident in 2019, he pleaded guilty to assaulting her while she was pregnant. Additionally, Joseph violated a protection order by being found with Neilyann in a vehicle the following year. Currently facing charges of second-degree murder and first-degree burglary, Joseph has entered a not-guilty plea, a common procedure at this stage. He also faces pending charges in another county for Driving Under the Influence.
Brian Davidson, the deputy district attorney overseeing the homicide unit, emphasized the severity of the situation, highlighting the trauma experienced by the children witnessing such violence. He stressed the importance of seeking support, especially during the critical early stages after leaving an abuser, noting that community intervention can be crucial in assisting potential victims.
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