Four-year-old watches as mother allegedly stabs sleeping husband multiple times

A 25-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to murder her husband after allegedly stabbing him multiple times while he slept in their apartment in Vila Praia de Âncora, northern Portugal.

What made the attack even more shocking was that it reportedly took place in front of the couple’s four-year-old son.

According to the Judicial Police (PJ), the attack took place during the early hours of Wednesday morning, July 8, following what investigators described as a relationship marked by “frequent arguments”.

Police allege that the 42-year-old victim was asleep when the suspect used a large kitchen knife to stab him several times, including in the back of the head, neck, back and left arm.

The victim suffered multiple stab wounds, a fractured left arm and a collapsed lung, injuries that investigators say placed his life at risk.

All three were taken to Santa Luzia Hospital in Viana do Castelo. The husband remains hospitalised with serious injuries, while the child was kept under observation before arrangements were made for him to be placed with relatives in coordination with child protection authorities.

The woman was discharged from hospital before being arrested by PJ officers.

She is due to appear before the Caminha court for her first judicial hearing, where a judge will decide on any preventive measures while the investigation continues.

The case is being led by the Caminha Public Prosecutor’s Office (DIAP).

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.