An Arizona man has been charged with attempted murder after authorities say he repeatedly stabbed his wife during a violent altercation at their Mesa apartment before calling police to report the attack himself.
Nathaniel Gotham, 32, is accused of stabbing his wife 16 times in the back on Saturday afternoon. According to court documents, he later admitted to investigators that he attacked her because he wanted to hurt her and wanted her to “stop talking.”
Police Discover Victim Seriously Injured at Apartment
Mesa police officers responded to the couple’s residence at approximately 4:30 p.m. after receiving the emergency call. Officers reportedly found Gotham covered in blood while his wife was lying face down on the floor with severe injuries.
Investigators said the victim suffered 16 stab wounds to her back, along with cuts to her head, neck and face. She also sustained defensive injuries to her hands, indicating she attempted to protect herself during the assault. She was transported to a local hospital, where authorities said she remains in stable condition.
Investigators Say Suspect Admitted to the Attack
According to an affidavit cited by Law&Crime, Gotham admitted that the assault followed an argument with his wife. Detectives said he told them he accused her of wasting “the best years” of his life and claimed he had “ended up with the wrong woman.”
He allegedly told investigators that he “snapped,” retrieved a steak knife from the kitchen and stabbed his wife “more than a dozen times.” Court records further state that the victim pleaded with him to stop during the attack.
An officer wrote in the affidavit that when Gotham was asked why he carried out the stabbing, he replied that he wanted to hurt his wife and silence her.
Relationship Reportedly Marked by Long-Term Problems
During questioning, Gotham allegedly described the couple’s marriage as unhappy, telling investigators they had been together for more than a decade but were living in what he called a “loveless marriage.”
Police also said Gotham admitted to previously choking his wife years before the latest incident. Investigators reported that he claimed he had reached a breaking point and said “the monster came out,” though he later described that explanation as a “cop-out.”
Calls to Family After the Incident
Authorities said that after the stabbing, Gotham contacted his mother-in-law in an apparent attempt to apologize. He also reportedly called his own mother, telling her she was unlikely to see him again, according to AZFamily.
These calls were made before officers arrived at the apartment and took him into custody.
Court Proceedings Underway
Gotham made his initial court appearance on Sunday, where he was formally charged with attempted murder. He is being held on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on Friday as the criminal case proceeds.
Investigation Continues
The Mesa Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged domestic violence attack. Authorities have not announced any additional charges, and the victim remains hospitalized in stable condition while the case moves through the legal system.
Summary
Arizona authorities have charged 32-year-old Nathaniel Gotham with attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed his wife 16 times during an argument at their Mesa apartment. Investigators say he confessed to the attack, claiming he “snapped” and wanted his wife to stop talking. The victim survived the assault and is recovering in stable condition, while Gotham remains in custody on a $500,000 bond pending further court proceedings.
