PRESCOTT, AZ – A woman who had recently learned she was pregnant became the victim of a brutal attack that ended her pregnancy and sent her husband to prison for a decade, authorities said.
Joseph Noecker, 43, was sentenced this week to 10 years in prison for attempted second-degree murder after a violent assault on his wife in late October 2024. The sentencing comes after an investigation determined that Noecker severely beat his pregnant wife in an attempt to terminate her pregnancy.
The woman, whose identity has not been released, had shared the news of her approximately nine-week pregnancy with Noecker after receiving confirmation from her doctor. She and her husband had initially expressed excitement about expecting a child.
However, the relationship shifted dramatically just days later. Authorities described a drastic escalation following the announcement of the pregnancy, stemming from arguments between the couple. As tensions grew, Noecker reportedly threatened to induce an abortion himself, then violently restrained his wife and repeatedly stomped on her abdomen.
Emergency responders transported the woman to a hospital, where she learned her unborn child had died. Despite the tragedy, investigators could not definitively link the fatal outcome of the pregnancy to the attack, as they were unable to pinpoint precisely when the loss occurred. Nevertheless, prosecutors stated that Noecker acted with the belief that the fetus was still alive during the assault.
Along with his prison term, Noecker was ordered to serve an additional seven years of supervised probation for kidnapping. This stems from his actions in physically confining his wife during the attack in violation of her autonomy and safety.
Arizona statutes provide that a fetus is protected in the same manner as a young child under the law. This provision contributed to the severity of the charges Noecker faced, according to authorities.
Prosecutors underscored the gravity of the offense, describing the assault and the loss suffered by the victim as chilling and a stark reminder of the consequences of domestic violence. The case has also served as a signal from local officials that crimes of this nature will not be tolerated.
Noecker will serve his sentence in the Arizona State Prison, ensuring he will be kept from the victim for years to come. The woman’s current condition was not disclosed, but officials emphasized ongoing support for victims of domestic violence and stressed that help is available for those in similar circumstances.