Mother attacked by Rockford knifeman praises son and dog for survival
A family involved in the stabbing spree in Illinois on Wednesday, which resulted in four deaths and seven injuries, credits their survival to their dog and their son's actions.
Suspect Christian Soto allegedly broke into Darlene Weber’s home in Rockford after already killing four people and injuring two others.
"It all happened like such a blink of an eye," according to Ms. Weber. "Remembering back, it was almost like he literally tried to kill me."
Mr. Soto allegedly stabbed her in the face as he entered the home, where the mother was with her two children, Jacob Vollman, 21, and Cathy Gilfillan, 23.
"He looked at me, he just had the world’s biggest smile on his face," according to Mr. Vollman told.
Mr. Soto was reportedly already covered in blood, having allegedly killed his friend Jacob Schupbach, 23, his friend’s mother Ramona Schupbach, 63, mailman Jay Larson, 49, and 15-year-old Jenna Newcomb.
After stabbing Ms. Weber, the family dog, Brandy, bit Mr. Soto on the leg. Mr. Vollman then used a syrup bottle to beat the attacker.
"I’m not even kidding. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I’d be standing here talking to you right now," Ms. Weber added. "I really don’t. It was frightening."
Ms. Gilfillan, who had just woken from a nap, ran upstairs upon hearing screams and found her brother fighting the attacker. The man then hit her before being hit again by her brother.
Mr. Soto reportedly left the home and attacked another woman nearby. She was later saved by a "Good Samaritan" driver who stopped to help her but was also attacked.
Mr. Soto told police officers that he had been smoking marijuana at Mr. Schupbach’s home, which he claimed was laced with a narcotic. He then became paranoid, grabbed a knife, and attacked his friend and Ms. Schupbach before fleeing.
Prosecutors say Mr. Soto then stabbed and ran over mailman Jay Larson in the street before breaking into Jenna Newcomb's home and assaulting her, her sister, and friend with a softball bat.
Mr. Soto allegedly targeted Ms. Weber’s home next before the incident with the Good Samaritan, leading to his arrest by police.
The 22-year-old, residing in the same neighborhood, faces four first-degree murder charges, multiple attempted murder charges, and two home invasion charges. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 2.
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