MELBA, ID – Moments that should have been filled with ordinary family memories at a local park turned into a life-and-death struggle for a pregnant woman, who now remains in critical condition after a violent attack, authorities said.
Emergency crews rushed to Celebration Park in Melba Friday after a report of a woman needing urgent medical attention. When sheriff’s deputies arrived, they found the victim unconscious in the backseat of a vehicle. The woman had been at the park with her husband and their five children, who range in age from 1 to 14.
Medics at the scene provided lifesaving support before transporting the mother to a hospital in Boise. Medical teams worked to stabilize her and her unborn child, but she was listed in critical condition as of Monday, officials confirmed. Details regarding her current status or the condition of the pregnancy have not been released.
The Canyon County Sheriff’s Office stated the attack unfolded while the couple’s children remained nearby, just outside the family vehicle. According to authorities, the woman’s husband, identified as 32-year-old Robert Seviano Howell of California, allegedly sent the children away from the vehicle, but they did not stray far.
Investigators say Howell entered the backseat, where he allegedly strangled his wife with intent to kill her. The violent act was only halted when Howell believed she was dead, officials said. He then reportedly left her inside the car and walked away, leaving his children close by.
After some time passed, Howell is accused of returning to the vehicle, discovering his wife was still alive, and seeking help from park staff. Employees called 911, leading to a rapid response from both deputies and emergency medical personnel.
Documents filed in court allege Howell confessed to authorities that his actions were deliberate and not prompted by any immediate argument or confrontation. Law enforcement officials said the couple had not been quarreling prior to the incident, and Howell allegedly admitted to making a calculated attempt to end his wife’s life.
The five children present at the park were determined to be at immediate risk and were placed into the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, authorities said. The children’s welfare remains under evaluation following the traumatic incident.
Howell was arrested at the scene and charged with felony attempted murder. He is currently being held as the investigation continues.
Authorities have stressed the gravity of domestic violence and the profound impact it has on families and communities. In this case, a family outing was shattered by a near-fatal assault, leaving a mother and her unborn child fighting to recover and children facing a deeply altered future.
No additional information regarding the family has been made public, and officials have not disclosed whether the family had any prior history with law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.