Pennsylvania Girl, 11, Stabbed While Shielding Mom From Father’s Brutal Attack in Redstone Township
REDSTONE TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania — Authorities say an 11-year-old girl is the reason her mother is still alive after she was stabbed while shielding her from a brutal attack carried out by her estranged father.
The suspect, 33-year-old Richard Cody Hall, is accused of breaking into his estranged wife’s parents’ home Sunday afternoon and attacking multiple family members before being arrested, according to Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele.
Attack in Family’s Home
Police say Hall smashed through a rear glass door around 12:30 p.m. and entered the master bedroom, where his estranged wife and their children — ages 8 and 11 — had been living with her parents.
Hall’s wife had recently filed for divorce and obtained a protective order against him. Despite these measures, prosecutors say he tracked her down and launched the violent assault.
Inside the bedroom, Hall allegedly began punching and stabbing his wife. The couple’s 11-year-old daughter then threw herself on top of her mother to protect her, suffering a serious stab wound to the arm in the process.
Family Members Also Attacked
Prosecutors said Hall’s in-laws intervened during the attack. Hall allegedly stabbed his mother-in-law and kicked his father-in-law repeatedly in the head, declaring he wanted to kill him.
Meanwhile, the couple’s 8-year-old son ran to a neighbor’s house to get help. The neighbor called 911, and officers arrived quickly, arresting Hall after spotting him near the home.
Hall had apparently stabbed himself after the assault and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Charges and Investigation
Hall now faces a long list of charges, including:
- Criminal attempted homicide
- Aggravated assault
- Endangering the welfare of children
All four victims were hospitalized but are listed in stable condition, according to officials.
Prosecutors also revealed this was not the first time the 11-year-old girl had intervened to protect her mother from an attack by her father.
“That’s the reason her mother is still alive,” DA Mike Aubele said of the girl’s bravery. “We’re extremely grateful this wasn’t worse. We can’t say enough about the actions of this 11-year-old.”
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