Domestic abuse suspect sentenced for near-fatal stabbing in Mesa

Tyler Riddle, 34, was recently sentenced to 15 years in prison for the violent assault of his girlfriend in Mesa.

In August 2025, the Mesa Police Department responded to a call from a 12-year-old stating his mother was bleeding and that her boyfriend, identified as Riddle, was in their home.

When police arrived, they found the child’s mother covered in blood with multiple stab wounds including a laceration across her throat. The victim’s two children told police they were woken up by screaming and saw the defendant punching their mother. They attempted to help their mother during the attack but were struck in the face by the defendant.

The victim and the defendant were in a relationship that had become unhealthy and abusive over time, according to a release.

At sentencing the victim shared, “the defendant showed absolutely no mercy to me that night... He may have thought that stabbing me 22 times would be the end of my story, instead I am standing here today, alive, speaking for myself, speaking for my children, and refusing to let what he did become the definition of who I am.”

Riddle pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault, a class three dangerous felony and domestic violence offense, and two counts of child abuse, a class four felony and domestic violence offense.

“Thanks to the bravery of her kids and the quick response by the Mesa Police Officers who arrived at the scene, this victim survived her attack and can find a measure of peace knowing this defendant has been held accountable,” County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in the release.

“Domestic violence is rarely an isolated incident; abusers routinely escalate their behavior from emotional manipulation to near lethal physical violence,” Mesa Police Chief Dan Butler said in the release. “This is a just sentence for a dangerous defendant and thanks to our officers’ quick and decisive action that night, the victim survived and is safe from further violence.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call or text the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit www.thehotline.org.

For local resources, visit www.maricopacountyattorney.org/DV.