An Arizona mother who survived a brutal attack by her boyfriend is speaking out after he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for stabbing her repeatedly and injuring her children when they tried to intervene.
Tyler Riddle, 34, received the prison sentence after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated assault and two counts of child abuse in connection with the August 2025 attack in Mesa, Arizona.
The case took a devastating turn when Erin Hume’s two children woke up to the violence inside their home. As Riddle attacked their mother, the children attempted to protect her but were struck in the face, according to prosecutors.
Hume survived more than 20 stab wounds, including an injury across her throat. During the sentencing hearing, she described the lasting impact of the attack and made clear that she would not allow what happened to define the rest of her life.
“He may have thought that stabbing me 22 times would be the end of my story, instead I am standing here today, alive, speaking for myself, speaking for my children, and refusing to let what he did become the definition of who I am,” Hume told the court.
Her statement reflected both the severity of the violence she endured and her determination to move forward.
A Visit That Turned Into a Violent Attack
According to Hume, Riddle arrived at her home using an Uber on the night of the attack. She knew he was coming and had asked him to keep his voice down because her children were going to sleep.
Hume later said that Riddle had become increasingly abusive over time. She also told local television reporters that he had been using drugs, including psychedelics, on the night of the incident.
What happened next left Hume seriously injured and her children caught in a frightening situation.
Prosecutors said the children were awakened by screaming and saw Riddle punching their mother. They tried to intervene, but he struck them in the face as the assault continued.
The attack left Hume with multiple stab wounds, including a cut across her throat. When officers arrived, they found her covered in blood.
The circumstances described by investigators showed how quickly a domestic dispute can escalate into a life-threatening emergency, leaving family members scrambling to get help.
Her 12-Year-Old Son Called 911
One of the most significant moments in the case came when Hume’s 12-year-old son contacted emergency services.
The boy told the 911 dispatcher that his mother was bleeding and that her boyfriend was inside the home. His call helped alert authorities to the emergency.
Hume later credited her son with saving her life.
“I would be dead if he didn’t call the police, like 100%,” she said.
The children’s actions came at a time when their mother was in immediate danger. Although both children were injured while trying to help her, their efforts to respond to the attack became a crucial part of the events that led to police intervention.
Mesa police officers arrived and found Hume suffering from numerous injuries. The investigation ultimately led to criminal charges against Riddle.
For Hume, the experience was not only a physical ordeal but also a traumatic event involving the two children she was trying to protect.
Prosecutors Detail the Injuries and the Children’s Ordeal
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said Riddle’s actions caused serious harm to Hume and injured both children who attempted to defend her.
County Attorney Rachel Mitchell credited the children’s bravery and the responding officers’ quick action with helping Hume survive.
The case resulted in Riddle pleading guilty to aggravated assault and two counts of child abuse. His 15-year prison sentence holds him accountable for the attack under the terms of that plea.
The children’s injuries also underscore an often-overlooked aspect of domestic violence cases: Children who witness an assault may face physical danger themselves when they try to intervene.
Experts generally advise children and bystanders not to physically confront an attacker when doing so could put them in further danger. Calling 911, moving to a safer location when possible and following emergency dispatchers’ instructions can be safer ways to seek help.
A 15-Year Sentence Brings Accountability
Riddle’s sentence marks a significant legal outcome in a case that could have ended in multiple deaths or much more serious injuries.
By pleading guilty, he accepted criminal responsibility for the offenses covered by the plea agreement. The sentence includes 15 years in prison, according to the county attorney’s office.
For Hume, however, the outcome represents more than the conclusion of a criminal case. She has had to recover from a violent attack while confronting the emotional consequences for herself and her children.
Her decision to address the court allowed her to describe the attack in her own words and emphasize that surviving it does not mean the experience will simply disappear.
Her message was one of survival and resilience. Despite the violence she experienced, she made clear that she intends to reclaim her future rather than allow the attack to determine her identity.
The Broader Warning About Domestic Violence
The case also highlights the importance of recognizing abusive behavior before it escalates. Domestic violence can involve a pattern of intimidation, threats, controlling behavior or physical harm, and situations can become dangerous when a person feels unable to leave or seek support.
People concerned about their own safety or the safety of someone they know can contact local domestic violence organizations for confidential guidance and help developing a safety plan. In an immediate emergency, calling 911 is appropriate.
For families affected by violence, recovery may require medical care, emotional support and time to rebuild a sense of security at home.
Hume’s experience demonstrates how essential a rapid emergency response can be when violence becomes life-threatening. Her son’s call brought police to the scene, and the responding officers found her alive despite the severity of her injuries.
As Riddle begins serving his sentence, Hume’s words remain a powerful part of the case: she survived, she spoke for herself and her children, and she refuses to let the attack define her story.
