by Melba, ID – A 32-year-old California man has been arrested for allegedly trying to kill his pregnant wife in a public park in Idaho while their five children were nearby, authorities said. The victim was hospitalized in critical condition, and investigators say the attack was deliberate and premeditated.
Incident Overview
Robert Seviano Howell was taken into custody last week and charged with one count of felony attempted murder, according to the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a call at Celebration Park in Melba, Idaho, regarding a report of attempted strangulation. Howell reportedly admitted to park employees that he had choked his pregnant wife before authorities arrived.
Timeline of Events
Court documents indicate that Howell and his wife arrived at the park with their five children, ages 1 to 14. Howell allegedly sent the children “away from the family vehicle,” though they remained close by. He then entered the backseat of the car and began strangling his wife with the intent to kill her.
“Howell stated he continued strangling the victim and only stopped when he believed he accomplished his task of killing her,” authorities said.
After leaving the car briefly to look over the Snake River, Howell returned to find his wife still alive and ran to park employees for help, who then called 911. Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to a Boise hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
Details from Officials
Howell allegedly told investigators that he did not strangle his wife during an argument but deliberately intended to end her life.
Sheriff Kieran Donahue spoke about the case, saying,
“Domestic violence is one of the most horrific crimes we encounter because it strikes at the very heart of safety and trust. This case is tragic. A woman was nearly killed by someone she trusted. It is our sincere hope and prayer that she fully recovers from this horrible experience. Unfortunately, a family unit has been destroyed. This is the true face and tragedy of domestic violence.”
Authorities determined that the children were in imminent danger and placed them into the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
