Woman Stabs Daughter Nearly 20 Times in Idaho Home

Suspect Marita Gonzales charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery after attack on 32-year-old victim

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A 32-year-old woman named Marita Gonzales has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery after allegedly stabbing a 32-year-old woman nearly 20 times in her own home in Pocatello, Idaho. The victim's 49-year-old mother witnessed the attack and was also injured when she tried to intervene.

Why it matters

This violent home invasion and attack on a young woman in her own residence has shaken the Pocatello community and raised concerns about online interactions leading to real-world violence. The case also highlights the dangers that victims of domestic violence can face, even in their own homes.

The details

According to court records, the 32-year-old victim had met Gonzales online and invited her back to the apartment she shared with her mother. Around 10 p.m., the mother heard a commotion in her daughter's room and found Gonzales allegedly stabbing the younger woman 18 times. Gonzales then reportedly cut the mother in the face with the knife before fleeing. The daughter was airlifted to a hospital in Salt Lake City in stable condition, while the mother was treated and released locally.

  • On Sunday, the incident occurred at around 10 p.m. in the 700 block of South Arthur Avenue in Pocatello, Idaho.
  • On Tuesday, police arrested Marita Gonzales as the suspect.
  • On Wednesday, Gonzales appeared in court and was ordered held on a $1 million bond.

The players

Marita Gonzales

A 32-year-old woman charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery for allegedly stabbing the 32-year-old victim nearly 20 times.

The 32-year-old victim

The daughter of the 49-year-old mother, who was stabbed multiple times in her own home.

The 49-year-old mother

The mother of the 32-year-old victim, who witnessed the attack and was also injured when she tried to intervene.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Marita Gonzales out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dangers that victims of domestic violence can face, even in their own homes, and the need for greater awareness and resources to protect vulnerable individuals from such horrific attacks.