A Miami resident has been taken into custody for assaulting and sexually abusing his pregnant wife, who is also the mother of their four children. Manuel José Amaro, a 31-year-old practitioner of Santería, turned himself in to authorities, claiming that his actions were prompted by his "saints" revealing to him that his wife of ten years had been unfaithful.
The incident transpired in the early hours of January 22, outside their family home. Following a heated argument, Amaro struck the victim's face with a closed fist while she was holding their seven-month-old baby. He then dragged her by the hair and forced her into his vehicle, threatening her with an assault rifle. As a warning, he fired a shot.
Once inside the car, he continued to assault her as he drove, resulting in injuries to her face. Initially, he claimed he would take her to her mother's house, but instead returned to their home, where he sexually assaulted her, stating that "this is what they needed."
Amaro then struck her abdomen, ominously declaring that he "knew how to get rid of a baby." The woman, who was nine weeks pregnant, began to experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain.
According to a police report obtained by Telemundo 51, the aggressor decided to surrender to law enforcement days later. He was apprehended this week and faces numerous charges, including kidnapping with a firearm, aggravated assault on a pregnant victim, sexual battery, and unlawful discharge of a firearm within a municipal area.
The assailant is currently held at the TGK Jail awaiting a bond hearing.
Legal Implications and Consequences of Domestic Violence in Miami
What charges is Manuel José Amaro facing?
Manuel José Amaro is facing several charges including kidnapping with a firearm, aggravated assault on a pregnant victim, sexual battery, and the illegal use of a firearm in a municipal area.
How did the assault affect the victim?
The victim, who was nine weeks pregnant, suffered facial injuries, vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pain as a result of the assault.
Where is Amaro currently detained?
Manuel José Amaro is currently being held at the TGK Jail while awaiting his bond hearing.