Wife Douses Man With Boiling Water After He Threatens Her With Crucifix

A woman doused her husband with scalding hot water after he tried to stab her with a crucifix, authorities said.

Investigators said 37-year-old Francisco Gonzales of Chaparral, who claimed he was the victim of domestic violence after being burned with boiling water, faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery, kidnapping, arson and aggravated assault.

Gonzales allegedly got into an hours-long fight with his wife about 6 p.m. Nov. 28 over two telephone calls she received, which he believed were from another man. She said the calls were from her insurance company and would not hand over the phone.

The woman was eventually able to escape and drove herself to the Doa Ana County Sheriff’s Department substation in Chaparral, where she was referred to a local women’s shelter for protection.

Two days later, when she was questioned about the incident, investigators learned that Gonzales had allegedly held his wife against her will, attempted to strangle her with his hands and a drawstring, and later tried to choke her with a handkerchief. The victim also claimed that Gonzales attempted to stab her with a crucifix.

The woman also told investigators that Gonzales tried to burn down the house down by igniting alcohol on the living room carpet, telling her to pray to her deceased brother because they “would both soon meet him.”

The victim told investigators she then tried to calm the situation by offering to make some tea. She explained how she placed a pot of water on the stove, and when the water began to boil, she doused her husband with the scalding water in an attempt to escape.

The following day, Gonzales reportedly hitched a ride to Las Cruces to be treated for his injuries, telling hospital staff and investigators he was a victim of abuse. He was treated for second-degree burns to his face and upper torso and was released from the hospital.

Investigators obtained a warrant for Gonzales’ arrest. He was arrested in suspicion of two counts of aggravated assault against a household member with a deadly weapon, two counts of aggravated battery against a household member causing great bodily harm, first-degree kidnapping, negligent arson and battery against a household member, police said.

Gonzales was booked into the Doa Ana County Detention Center, with bond set at $100,000 bond ordered by Doa Ana County Magistrate Judge Richard Silva.