Bride-to-Be Left Fighting for Her Life After Fiancé Allegedly Stabs Her With Scissors Weeks Before Their Wedding
An Arizona woman who was counting down the days to her wedding was left fighting for her life after her fiancé allegedly attacked her with a pair of scissors, stabbing her in the face and neck just weeks before their planned ceremony.
Emily Byles, 30, was allegedly assaulted by Zachary Velasquez, 31, inside their home in Glendale, Arizona, on October 5, 2026. The horrifying incident came approximately one month before the couple were due to marry.
The violence was brought to an end after Byles’ 11-year-old daughter called 911. The girl had reportedly heard screaming coming from her mother’s bedroom and became worried about what was happening inside.
When officers arrived, they heard Byles screaming for help. They were forced to enter the bedroom, where they found her lying on her back, covered in blood. Velasquez was nearby with blood on his hands, according to police documents.
Byles was rushed to hospital in ᑕriᩚtiᩚcal condition. She had suffered multiple stab wounds, severe facial injuries and damage to her vertebral artery, an important blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. She required emergency surgery.
Speaking to FOX 10 Phoenix, Byles said she believed her fiancé had been trying to end her life.
According to her account to investigators, the argument began after she discovered pictures of other women on Velasquez’s phone. She alleged that he subsequently ordered her to lie down and threatened to 𝘬iᩚll her if she got up again.
Police records also describe disturbing statements Velasquez allegedly made during the confrontation. Byles told investigators that he claimed to be a prophet and said it was God’s plan for her to die.
Velasquez reportedly gave officers a different account. He acknowledged putting Byles in a chokehold and punching her but claimed he had acted in self-defense. He allegedly told investigators that Byles had come at him with scissors before he gained control of the w𝔢𝔞𝔭𝔬η.
Byles also said her fiancé had threatened her two daughters. Her eldest daughter’s decision to call emergency services may have prevented the situation from becoming even worse.
The aftermath has been devastating for the family. Byles said the house was left unlivable because of the amount of blood inside. While she recovers at a friend’s home, her daughters have been staying with their aunt.
A fundraising campaign established to help the family described the extent of her injuries and the financial difficulties caused by the attack. Byles said she had lost belongings and that the family had been separated while she focused on recovery.
Velasquez was arrested and faces several charges, including aggravated assault with a diᩚadℓy w𝔢𝔞𝔭𝔬η, disorderly conduct, intimidation and reckless handling of a w𝔢𝔞𝔭𝔬η. He also has previous robbery convictions, according to reports.
He remains accused, and his account of the incident differs sharply from Byles’ allegations. The charges have not yet been proven in court.
Instead of preparing for the wedding she had been anticipating, Byles is now facing a long recovery and the challenge of rebuilding a safe life for herself and her children.
Source: DAILYMAIL
