BAKERSFIELD. Calif (KBAK/KBFX) Bakersfield police responded to a home on Thatch Ave. Sunday afternoon, where they found 31-year-old Anthony Bodoh unresponsive.
Despite life-saving efforts by officers and EMTs, Bodoh died.
Cecilee Diaz, 32, was arrested in connection with his death.
Woman claims self-defense in fatal stabbing of 31-year-old man (KBAK/KBFX)
Cecilee’s mother, who requested anonymity and to be called ‘Jackie R,’ contacted Eyewitness News to share her perspective, alleging her daughter acted in self-defense against Bodoh, whom she claims was abusive.
“My granddaughter called me and it was Super Bowl Sunday. I’m making food. So she’s saying, ‘Grandma, please come. Anthony is socking mom,'” Jackie R said.
She recounted rushing to Cecilee’s aid, receiving a call from her granddaughter, who was “really crying like traumatic crying” and urging her to hurry because “there’s blood.”
Upon arrival, Jackie R found Bodoh on the floor.
“My granddaughter opened the door for me, and I ran in and I saw him laid out and he was face down,” she said.
Jackie R flipped Bodoh over and called 911.
“When I saw him that he was a little gray, I knew I needed to call law enforcement 911 first,” she said, adding that Cecilee began CPR while she called for help.
Woman claims self-defense in fatal stabbing of 31-year-old man (KBAK/KBFX)
Jackie R claims Cecilee told dispatchers she grabbed a knife in self-defense as Bodoh lunged at her.
Both women were handcuffed when officers arrived.
Jackie R revealed Bodoh’s criminal history, including accusations of misdemeanor assault and battery, felony assault, and a listing on the Megan’s Law website for rape by force of fear.
Woman claims self-defense in fatal stabbing of 31-year-old man (KBAK/KBFX)
“He’s been abusing her throughout her whole pregnancy,” Jackie R said.