The Pennsylvania State Police investigate after a man allegedly injured his estranged wife, daughter and in-laws in Redstone Township (WTAE).
In Pennsylvania, officials are commending the bravery of an 11-year-old girl who shielded her mother by leaping on her to protect her from her father, who allegedly tracked down the family after they relocated to distance themselves from him.
Police in Redstone Township, about 45 miles south of Pittsburgh, were called to a residence around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. According to Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele, a suspect, identified as 33-year-old Richard Cody Hall, broke into the house through a rear glass door, as reported by Law&Crime.
The residence was owned by Hall’s estranged wife’s parents. Seeking safety, she had moved there with her two children, aged 8 and 11, to escape Hall, stated Aubele. She recently initiated divorce proceedings and secured a protective order against him, Aubele confirmed.
Upon allegedly smashing the window to gain entry, Hall proceeded into the master bedroom and began assaulting his wife by punching and stabbing her, according to authorities. It was at this moment, prosecutors revealed, that their 11-year-old daughter acted heroically, launching herself to cover her mother — sustaining a “serious” stab injury to her arm during the ordeal.
“That’s the reason her mother is still alive,” said Aubele.
Hall’s in-laws also intervened to halt the attack. He allegedly stabbed his mother-in-law and assaulted his father-in-law by repeatedly kicking him in the head, expressing intent to kill, Aubele noted. Meanwhile, the 8-year-old boy fled to a nearby neighbor’s house to seek assistance. The neighbors phoned 911, and police arrived promptly at the scene, apprehending Hall after locating him.
Hall had apparently stabbed himself after the ordeal, per cops.
He faces a slew of charges, including criminal attempted homicide, aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children.
All four victims were transported to local hospitals in stable condition.
Hall currently is in the hospital receiving treatment and will be transported to the Fayette County Jail after his release.
“We’re extremely grateful that this wasn’t worse,” Aubele said. “We can’t say enough about the actions of this 11-year old girl.”
Prosecutors say it is “not the first time” the girl had to protect her mother during an attack by her father.
