A 19-year-old woman was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend in Bucks County, officials said.
Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn and Lower Makefield Township Police Chief Kenneth D. Coluzzi revealed more details on the death of Jaden Battista and the arrest of her ex-boyfriend, 23-year-old Trevor Weigel, of Churchville, Pennsylvania.
On Friday, Feb. 16, shortly before 2:30 p.m., a Lower Makefield Police officer responded to a reported burglary along the 2500 block of Waterford Road.
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When the officer arrived, he spotted a man, later identified as Weigel, standing outside a car with the door open. The officer said Weigel began chasing after a woman, later identified as Battista. Weigel then tackled her to the ground and stabbed her around 15 times, investigators said.
The officer approached and tried to stop the attack, according to police. Weigel then fled and scaled a fence as other responding officers chased after him, officials said. As he ran away, Weigel stabbed himself in the neck, according to police. The officers then used a Taser on Weigel and captured him, according to investigators.
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Meanwhile, the first officer who responded tried to revive Battista.
“He pulls up on the scene, he sees a male brutally and violently stabbing a young 19-year-old female," Chief Coluzzi said. "He tries to take every measure he can to save her life while other police officers give chase to this coward who was running from the scene. Amazing police work.”
Battista was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.
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Weigel was also taken to the hospital and is expected to recover from his injuries. He was arrested and charged with criminal homicide, burglary, possession of an instrument of crime with intent, disorderly conduct and harassment, according to online court records.
He is currently being held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility after being denied bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 27. Court records don't list any legal representation for Weigel.
Investigators said Weigel and Battista had dated for about two months but ended the relationship about two months ago. According to court documents, Weigel told police Battista was cheating on him and he "lost it."
Police said Battista was on the phone telling a friend that Weigel was trying to get into her home in the moments before her murder.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family in this case," Schorn said. "They’re suffering an unimaginable, senseless loss. This case serves as a reminder that one can never fully appreciate the lethality of a situation when enduring domestic violence.”
Officials said Battista did not have a protection from abuse order against Weigel at the time of her murder. Online court records show that Weigel was previously cited for a traffic violation in January but did not have any legal issues beyond that prior to Friday's incident.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.
