Boyfriend stabs mom to death in front of her children, California officials say
A man accused of stabbing his girlfriend in front of her children at their home has been charged, California officials say.
Ramon Joseph Rivas, 34, was charged with murder in the death of Jessica Marie Tinoco, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office said in an Oct. 2 news release.
Officers responded to a Simi Valley home shortly after 6 p.m. Sept. 27 after one of Tinoco’s daughters called 911 to say her mother was being stabbed by her live-in boyfriend, the Simi Valley Police Department said in a news release.
Rivas is accused of stabbing Tinoco with a knife in front of her children,“who fled the residence and called 911 when Rivas began attacking their mother,” prosecutors said.
When officers entered the home, they found Tinoco, 34, with multiple stab wounds on her face and body, police said.
Rivas was arrested at the home, according to police.
Tinoco was taken to a hospital, where she later died, police said.
“She just had a pure soul,” Rayleen Morales, a family friend told KTLA, at a vigil for Tinoco.
Alesha Alonzo, Tinoco’s childhood friend, told Simi Valley Acorn that Tinoco was the “strongest woman” with “the biggest heart.”
“Everything she did was for her kids,” Alonzo told the newspaper.
Tinoco is survived by five children, a GoFundMe says.
“She was known for her generous heart, infectious smile, and the strength she showed every day,” the GoFundMe says. “Her love for her family and friends was immeasurable, and her passing has left an unimaginable void in our hearts.”
In addition to murder, Rivas was also charged with “two counts of child endangerment and strike enhancements,” prosecutors said.
Rivas, who is being held without bail, is expected to appear in court again Oct. 30, prosecutors said.
Simi Valley is about a 40-mile drive northwest from Los Angeles.