Son Arrested After He Defends Mom Against Abusive Boyfriend

SALUTE LUIS MOUX

Luis Moux was sleeping in his bedroom in 2017 when his mother’s abusive boyfriend, Stanley Washington, visited their Bronx apartment early one morning. Moux woke around 4:30 a.m. to the sound of his mother and Washington arguing outside the building. Lorena Sesema walked back inside, Washington following behind her. Once the door closed, Washington began beating Sesema.

Not a good idea when her son looks like this...And has the age and "that's my mama" advantage over Washington.

Moux Defends His Mother

Moux, 220 pound offensive lineman on his high school football team and straight-A student, sprang into action to defend his mother, who had passed out from the beating by this time, pulling the 43-year-old Washington off of her.

The two men struggled before Moux slammed him to the ground, wrapping his arm tightly around his neck until he fell unconscious. He expired later in the day at North Central Bronx Hospital.

Bronx police took Moux into custody, charging him with manslaughter in Washington’s death. At the time of the arrest, police said it was unclear if Moux acted in self-defense. "It's not crystal clear," a police source said. "It's not cut and dry. There was a battle going on back and forth. It could be self-defense, but that hasn't been decided yet."

Moux was held on a $25,000 bond.

Washington Had Lengthy Criminal History

As the investigation began, witnesses described regular domestic violence incidents between Washington and Sesema, including two incidents involving police. The first occurred in 2014; the second in 2016. Those two complaints were among 27 arrests filling Washington’s criminal record.

Grand Jury Fails to Indict Moux

An online petition garnered more than 23,000 signatures from people demanding the charges against Moux be dismissed. Over 20 people showed up in support of the young man during this pretrial court hearing, including his high school football coach. The Grand Jury failed to indict Moux on any charges. He was released from jail, sent back home to finish out high school.

A Lesson to Abusive Men: Boys Grow Up

Abusive men: Remember, mama’s babies grow up. Sometimes they grow up to be bigger and meaner than you, especially when mama is involved. Boys love their mamas. Let the Luis Moux case be a lesson to any abuser. Thank you, Grand Jury, for electing not to indict this outstanding young man who acted in self-defense against an attack.

Domestic Violence Statistics

• Women ages 18 to 24 are most likely to be victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
• One in four women and one in nine men will be victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) during their lifetimes
• With an average of one victim of domestic violence every 20-minute, there are more than 10 million abuse victims each year
• Domestic violence hotlines receive more than 20,000 calls on an average day
• 19% of all domestic violence incidents involve a weapon
• Only 34% of victims of domestic violence seek treatment for their injuries
• One in 15 children are exposed to domestic violence each year

What is Domestic Violence?

The power and control wheel can help you better understand the cycle of abuse.

Help is Available

If you are a victim of domestic violence, please get out before something like this happens. I am so glad Moux protected his mom but things could’ve ended much differently. Leaving abuse is scary but no scarier than the fear and misery you live with daily. For free, confidential domestic violence help 24-hours per day, 7-days per week, call (in the U.S.) The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE. Shelters and other services can help get you out of a horrible situation. You can also visit the NDVH website at https://www.thehotline.org/.