Phoenix mother of 9 stabbed to death in front of children

PHOENIX - A mother of nine was stabbed to death Friday night in front of her children.  Police say her husband, father of three of the children, and step-father to the rest is responsible.

It happened at an apartment near Cave Creek and Greenway roads. Police tell ABC15 the woman and her husband got into an argument that turned physical.

Police report some of the kids tried to jump on the man to stop the attack and he hit at least one of them before stabbing the mother.

Forty-one-year-old Maria Gonzales made it out into the courtyard before collapsing. She died at the hospital.

Her oldest daughter, Lily, who was on her way to the house at the time said it just came out of the blue.

"We were all together on Thursday, happy," she said. "It is not fair for someone to take away someone who had so much to give."

The suspect's name has not been released. He suffered injuries and is in serious condition at a local hospital. Charges are pending his release.

Lily tells ABC15 her mother and step-father have been married for 12 years. The family is struggling now with the loss and how to pay for the funeral expenses.

The family has set up an account to help with expenses. If you want to help you can go to any Wells Fargo bank and make a donation under family members' names Martha Luviano or Naty Gonzales, account #97653336219765333621.

The children are with other family members.