A Mesa man is facing an attempted murder charge after police say he stabbed his wife multiple times inside their apartment before calling 911 and admitting to the attack. Court documents provide additional details about the incident, including statements the suspect allegedly made to investigators and emergency dispatchers.
Incident
According to Mesa police, officers responded Saturday night to an apartment near University Drive and 40th Street after receiving a 911 call from 32-year-old Nathaniel Gotham.
Police said Gotham told the dispatcher, “I did it, it’s all my fault,” and admitted to stabbing his wife.
When officers arrived, they found the victim suffering from serious injuries and Gotham on top of her. Authorities said he was covered in blood as officers entered the apartment.
Victim
Officers immediately began providing medical aid before the woman was transported to a hospital.
Mesa police said she remains in stable condition.
According to court documents, the victim suffered 24 stab wounds, including 16 to her back. She also sustained injuries to her head, neck, and face.
Investigators noted she had cuts on her hands that were consistent with defensive wounds.
| Victim’s Injuries | Details |
|---|---|
| Total stab wounds | 24 |
| Wounds to back | 16 |
| Other injuries | Head, neck, and face |
| Defensive wounds | Cuts to hands |
| Condition | Stable |
Investigation
According to the police report, Gotham later told investigators that he “snapped” during the incident.
Police said he admitted he wanted to hurt his wife and wanted her to stop talking.
Investigators also reported that Gotham told his wife during the attack that she had “wasted the best years of my life” and that he had “ended up with the wrong woman.”
During a search of the apartment, officers recovered a kitchen steak knife that investigators believe was used in the stabbing.
Relationship
Court documents state the couple had been together for approximately 14 years and had been married for four years.
The report also states they do not have children together.
According to investigators, Gotham admitted he had previously assaulted his wife by choking her during an argument several years earlier.
Aftermath
Police said Gotham attempted to contact his mother-in-law after the stabbing to apologize.
He also reportedly called his own mother and told her she was unlikely to see him again.
Authorities said Gotham remained at the apartment until officers arrived.
Court
Gotham made his initial appearance in Maricopa County Superior Court on Sunday.
He has been charged with attempted murder, and a judge set his bond at $500,000.
According to court records, his next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
The investigation remains ongoing as the case moves through the court process.
FAQs
Who is the suspect?
Nathaniel Gotham, 32, of Mesa.
What charge does he face?
He is charged with attempted murder.
How many times was the victim stabbed?
Police say she was stabbed 24 times.
What is the victim’s condition?
She is hospitalized in stable condition.
What bond was set?
A judge set bond at $500,000.
