A 26-year-old Arizona man has been sentenced for a violent assault on his ex-girlfriend and a young girl in Avondale, an attack that left the woman with life-threatening injuries and her daughter traumatized. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that Brandon Ramos Valenzuela will serve just under nine years in prison for the 2023 assault.
After his release, Valenzuela will remain under lifetime supervised probation. The case stems from an incident in October 2023, when an 11-year-old girl called 911 for help from their home near Van Buren Street and Dysart Road. According to authorities, the child awoke to the sound of Valenzuela yelling at her mother.
When she tried to intervene and get help, Valenzuela reportedly covered her face, making it difficult for her to breathe. He eventually released her and fled the scene as the girl managed to call the police. When officers arrived, they found a horrifying scene. The girl’s mother was lying in a pool of blood, suffering from deep cuts to her head, visible bruises, and severe trauma.
She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors discovered several brain bleeds and a skull fracture. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell commended the child’s bravery. “This 11-year-old showed incredible courage during what could easily have been a deadly situation,” she said to KOLD.
“Even one act of domestic violence is one too many. As prosecutors, we carry the responsibility to stand up for those who can’t, and to make it clear that abuse has no place in our communities — ever.” Valenzuela was later arrested and charged with the brutal assault. He eventually pleaded guilty to child abuse and aggravated assault with serious physical injury, both felony offenses.
The sentence marks a significant step in holding Valenzuela accountable, but for the victims, the road to recovery remains long. Officials say the case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of swift action by witnesses and law enforcement.
Mitchell’s office continues to encourage victims and families to seek help, emphasizing that early intervention can save lives. The Avondale incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly domestic disputes can turn violent — and how courage, even from a child, can make the difference between tragedy and survival.