Police: Knifing suspect told tot to ‘stab Mommy’

updated 8:35 p.m. ET March 6, 2007

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - Police say a man repeatedly stabbed his teenage wife, then gave the knife to his toddler son and told him: "Now you stab Mommy."

Fermin Rodriguez, 21, attacked his 17-year-old wife Sunday night, after accusing her of cheating on him, police said. He slashed and stabbed her multiple times, then handed the knife to his 2-year-old son and told him to stab her, police said.

The boy didn't stab her, police and prosecutors said Tuesday.

Rodriguez was charged with first-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree unlawful restraint and threatening. He was being held on $350,000 bond.

His wife, Keyschla Rodriguez, was slashed at least 20 times, but most of the wounds were superficial, according to Capt. Lynn Kirwin. Rodriguez also cut off her hair, Kirwin said.

The woman's father became worried because he had not heard from his daughter and arrived at the house while she was still being held against her will, police said.

"Thank goodness her father showed up at the door," Kirwin said. The woman was treated for her injuries and later released.

The boy was safe with relatives, Kirwin said.

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