Osceola County, FL – Doris Espinoza-Rodriguez, 40, has been convicted of multiple charges including attempted second-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and felony battery following a violent incident involving her boyfriend’s children. The verdict was announced on September 16, 2024, by the State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
The case stems from a violent altercation on January 16, 2023, when Espinoza-Rodriguez, after a heated argument with her boyfriend, used a paring knife to stab his 10-year-old daughter and then the girl’s 14-year-old brother who attempted to intervene.
According to Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, the argument between Espinoza-Rodriguez and her boyfriend escalated when he threatened to call the police. In response, Espinoza-Rodriguez attacked the children, with the younger girl being stabbed in the shoulder and the older boy sustaining injuries to his chest and shoulder. The father intervened, disarming Espinoza-Rodriguez and injuring his hand in the process, until deputies arrived.
Sheriff Lopez reported that the 14-year-old boy, despite his injuries, managed to call 911 and open the door for responding officers. Both children were flown to a hospital for treatment. Prosecutors noted that the older brother’s actions likely prevented further harm to his sister.
During the trial, Espinoza-Rodriguez claimed self-defense, alleging that the children’s father had incited the attack. Her attorney, Jonathan Mills, argued that the incident was accidental. Espinoza-Rodriguez is expected to be sentenced in December.
For more details, visit the State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit or Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
For the original story, refer The Kansas City Star
