Three children in Northern California are now without both parents after their father allegedly fatally stabbed their mother—just months after a restraining order was issued against him.
Thomas John Iovenitti, 40, is charged with murdering his wife, Alisha Iovenitti. The case comes roughly five months after his arrest in connection with another alleged domestic violence incident involving her, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
The children—ages 9, 9 and 10—are being cared for by relatives and family friends after their mother was killed at the family’s Concord home on Oct. 23, according to a GoFundMe campaign.
Jennifer Curry, who organized the fundraiser, is seeking $100,000 to help support the children. Nearly $70,000 had been raised by late Sunday afternoon.
“The family unit is working tirelessly together to give them a stable home, counseling, and routines that feel normal again,” Curry wrote in the fundraiser.
The deadly incident began around 8:50 p.m. Oct. 23, when Concord police received a report of a disturbance involving an armed man and a woman at a home on Panoramic Drive.
When officers arrived, they tried to contact the people inside, but no one answered. Police eventually entered the residence by force and found both adults suffering from apparent stab wounds.
Alisha was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts. Her husband was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Prosecutors have charged Iovenitti with murder and with dissuading a witness from reporting a crime.
The fatal confrontation occurred months after authorities had already accused him of attacking his wife.
Prosecutors say Iovenitti was initially charged in connection with a May 9 incident involving allegations of assault with a deadly weapon, assault by means of force likely to cause great bodily injury, corporal injury to a spouse and false imprisonment.
During a May 19 court hearing, a judge set his bail at $1,000 over objections from the District Attorney’s Office.
The judge also ordered Iovenitti to stay away from Alisha and barred him from returning to the family residence.
Five months later, Alisha was dead.
In connection with the May allegations, Iovenitti also faces felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon and corporal injury to a spouse.
He has additionally been charged with five misdemeanors, including violating a court order and four counts of child endangerment.
Iovenitti is being held without bail at the Martinez Detention Facility. He was scheduled to be arraigned in late October.
If convicted, he could receive a sentence of up to 29 years to life in state prison.
The GoFundMe campaign offers a glimpse into the children’s interests and personalities.
Alisha’s daughter enjoys art and music. One of her sons plays baseball and football, while the other is an enthusiastic soccer and baseball player known for his mischievous nature.
“Alisha filled their lives with sports, friends, and community. We want to protect that for them,” the fundraiser says.
Funds raised will help pay for housing, food, clothing, medical expenses, counseling and transportation. The campaign also aims to create a fund for the children’s future education.
The fundraiser says the family’s savings have been exhausted, leaving the children without a financial safety net. A trustee will oversee donations on their behalf.
“All funds raised, after payment processing fees, will be used for their care and future,” the GoFundMe states.
