Authorities in Tennessee say a husband stabbed his wife and set her on fire, but the woman’s life was saved by Good Samaritans, according to her family. A press release from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation alleges that Zachary Mowel, 28, attacked his wife on the evening of July 1. Authorities responding to the scene found a woman suffering from multiple stab wounds and transported her to the hospital.
Mowel was subsequently arrested by TBI agents on charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated arson, aggravated assault (domestic-related), and domestic assault. It’s not immediately clear if Mowel has entered pleas to the charges or retained an attorney. The victim has subsequently been identified by her family as Tess Trotter. Her sister, Tori Trotter, wrote on a GoFundMe page launched to offset medical bills that the attack occurred in front of the couple’s young children, who were “watching and pleading” for the assailant to stop. The horrifying incident has left the family and community in shock.
Heroic Act of Good Samaritans
The victim’s mom, Tina Trotter, told WSMV that two people happened upon the house fire while in the area looking into an item they had seen on Facebook Marketplace. According to the mother, the pair put out the fire that had engulfed Tess, saving her life. Their timely intervention prevented further tragedy. Tina told the outlet:
God bless you, and I will reach out to you once my family finds out who you are, our family is so grateful for y’all because I wouldn’t have her today.
The Good Samaritans’ quick thinking and bravery were instrumental in rescuing Tess from the dire situation.
According to police documents filed in court and cited by WKRN, Mowel approached an officer who had responded to the scene and said:
I did it. It was me.
His admission added to the weight of the charges against him.
Victim’s Condition and Community Support
Tennessee woman who was stabbed, set on fire and left to die ‘by husband’ is miraculously saved by two mysterious Good Samaritans https://t.co/bmZUWr4Oxs pic.twitter.com/jdeLUUjiWa
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) July 7, 2024
The GoFundMe page states that Tess was paralyzed from the waist down and sustained third-degree burns as a result of the attack. All of her ribs were broken, and she had nine stab wounds, according to the page. The extent of her injuries has galvanized the community to offer support.
Her sister wrote on the page:
Tess is the strongest person I know, and [she] and her boys did not deserve this torture!
The community’s response has been overwhelming, with donations and messages of support pouring in.
Call to Action and Support
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. The case of Tess Trotter underscores the importance of awareness and support for domestic violence victims.
As Tess continues to recover, her story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the crucial role of community and law enforcement in protecting and supporting victims. The Trotter family remains hopeful and grateful for the support they have received.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities piecing together the events leading up to the attack. Zachary Mowel’s legal proceedings will be closely watched as the case progresses. The community remains united in seeking justice for Tess and her children.
As the legal process unfolds, the family and supporters of Tess Trotter continue to advocate for her and raise awareness about domestic violence. The strength and resilience of Tess and her family inspire many as they navigate this challenging time.
In the wake of this tragic event, the importance of community vigilance and support for victims of domestic violence cannot be overstated. The Trotter family’s ordeal highlights the need for continued advocacy and resources to prevent such incidents and support survivors.
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