Teen Dies Defending Mom Against Domestic Violence

A teenage boy stepped in to help his mother from an attack by her husband. That man fatally stabbed the teen. This incident occurred in December 2020 in Austin, Minnesota. Five younger kids were upstairs at the time of the incident. They were not injured, likely due to the young boy’s bravery against the man.

Teen Intervenes in Argument

Jaime Vaca and his wife were arguing in their bedroom on the morning of December 15, 2020, when one of the younger kids told the teen boy what was going on. The teen, identified as 15-year-old Julio Rodriquez, kicked down the bedroom door to witness Vaca choking his mother. Vaca stopped choking the woman when the teen entered the room.

Vaca then grabbed a knife and stabbed the teen. Police found him lying on the couch. He was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, where he died from his injuries.

The woman was found outside the home with a stab wound to her neck. She was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester where she underwent emergency surgeries to save her life.

Police Find Vaca Hiding in Bathroom

Vaca was found hiding in the bathroom with the knife in his hand. He refused to drop the knife so officers stunned him with a stun gun. He was taken into custody charged in Mower County District Court with second-degree murder and first-degree assault.

Vaca told officers that he went upstairs and kissed his other five children upstairs because he planned to commit suicide. Officers told him that the teen died from the stab wound to which he replied, “I’m a murderer.”

Vaca Pleaded Not Guilty to Charges

Vaca pleaded not guilty to the charges. His trial was scheduled to begin in August 2021. I cannot find updated information since this time. The Minnesota Department of Corrections Inmate Search does not produce results for the name “Jaime Arquinmides Vaca.”

Domestic Violence

They don’t change and the pain truly is not worth holding onto that hope. Nor are the risks. We never anticipate something like this happening until it is too late. My heart breaks for this mother. If you are involved with an abusive person, get out.

If you are being abused, remember:

• You are not the cause of mistreatment
• You deserve to be loved and treated with respect.
• You deserve to live a safe and happy life.
• Your children deserve a safe and happy life free from abuse
• People out there understand and can help if you reach out

There are many resources available for abused and battered women and men. Leaving abusive situations takes courage and strength. Sometimes getting out of an abusive relationship is hard as the healing process will be. The struggles are worth your sanity and freedom.

• Never tell your abuser that you plan to leave
• Contact domestic violence shelters in your area
• Apply for emergency housing and other state assistance, especially if you have children
• Create a safety plan
• Contact the court in your local area to learn more about an Order of Protection (OP) to safeguard you against abuse

Resources for Domestic Violence

If you need help leaving an abusive relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline toll-free at 1-800-799-7233.

The Hotline offers 24/7 service for domestic violence victims and survivors. Information about local shelters, help to create a safety plan, questions, and answers, and additional service is available from counselors via text message or online chat.