The five children of a Southern California woman witnessed as her boyfriend attacked her with a knife, stabbing her to death.
34-year-old Raymond Rivas was on probation, living with Jessica Tinoco, also 34, when he allegedly murdered her in front of her five children. Friday evening Tinoco's daughter phoned 9-1-1 to report the stabbing as it occurred, Simi Valley Police said in a news release.
Tinoco was repeatedly stabbed in the face, chest, and abdomen by her live-in boyfriend. An ambulance drove her to Los Robles Hospital but she did not survive the attack.
Police arrested Rivas, who was under Post Release Community Supervision. He is being held at Ventura County Main Jail on suspicion of murder.
Community members and loved ones held a candlelight vigil for Tinoco Monday evening, mourning the loss, sharing prayers for her children, and memories of the woman described as a devoted mother.
A GoFundMe has been created on behalf of Ticono's family. According to the fundraiser description, her five children are under the age of 14.
A family friend told KTLA, "She just had a pure soul...she just wanted to help," Rayleen Morales said. "She felt like she could help this guy, and that was her flaw."
Family members told reporters they weren't aware of trouble or violence in the relationship.
Tinoco's sister, Nicole De La Cerda, hopes the tragedy can raise awareness of domestic violence. "It needs to be spoken of," she said. "Remind them that they're loved."
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