‘Help me’: Vernal woman found with knife in head after attempted murder by home intruder

VERNAL, Utah (ABC4) — A Vernal man was taken into custody on Wednesday, April 9, after police allegedly caught him in the act of attacking a woman in her apartment.

According to court documents, there is a protective order in place between Jesus Jose Trevizo, 26, and the 32-year-old victim. However, Trevizo had been allegedly violating the protective order throughout the day. The victim reported Trevizo had approached her and her boyfriend at a Vernal grocery store and been driving by her apartment complex.

Later in the day, the Vernal Police Department responded to the apartment complex after Trevizo allegedly forced his way into the victim’s unit. First responders were flagged down by the victim’s boyfriend who rushed them inside where they reportedly heard “muffled screams.”

When police entered the bedroom they allegedly found Trevizo over the victim, and both were covered in blood. The woman reportedly could be heard saying “Help me” as police entered the room.

Officers safely separated the two, taking Trevizo into custody and allowing medical personnel to assist the victim.

According to court documents, the victim suffered multiple lacerations and injuries, including having an approximately six-inch blade from a pocket knife, broken off and allegedly embedded in her skull. The Vernal Police Department said the victim was rushed to a local hospital but was later flown to the Wasatch Front for further care. As of Thursday night, she remains in critical condition.

Police said Trevizo continued to apologize to police following his arrest, stating that the two were married and that he “couldn’t deal with the pain.” During the arrest, officers allegedly found a pocketknife on Trevizo.

Two children reportedly witnessed the beginning of the alleged assault but were able to flee the apartment and find help at a nearby church. According to court documents, police say the children are safe and with a family member.

Trevizo was booked into the Uintah County Jail where he faces charges of first-degree felony attempted murder and first-degree felony aggravated burglary. Court records show he also faces two counts of third-degree felony domestic violence in the presence of a child and misdemeanor violation of a protective order and property damage.

An investigation into the alleged assault is still ongoing. The Vernal Police Department said Trevizo may face additional charges as the investigation progresses.

“Our department’s thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family during this difficult time,” The Vernal Police Department said in a statement. “Victim advocates are actively providing support to the family and addressing their immediate needs.”