New Year's Eve Assault Suspect Convicted on Attempted Murder

A man who slashed and cut his girlfriend's face with a pocket knife is convicted on all charges.

Police say 24-year old Rodolfo Hernandez Cruz cut his girlfriend's face and neck because she said goodbye to a cousin. Photo: Beaverton

(BEAVERTON, Ore.) - Rodolfo Hernandez Cruz was accused of a viscous assault on his girlfriend in a fit of jealousy on New Year's Eve 2009. He has since been convicted of his crimes and is awaiting sentencing.

Beaverton Police explain that on January 1st 2009 at 5:14 a.m. they received a call from residents at the Conestoga Park Apartments reporting an assault occurring now, with a weapon. They explained that a man was attacking a woman with a knife.

When police arrived they found the victim, 28-year old Imelda Vazquez Cabello, in the driver's seat of her car bleeding from her neck and face. Witnesses explained the victim had been getting ready to leave from an earlier New Year's Eve family gathering and return to her Tualatin residence.

Cabello was in the parking lot saying goodbye to a cousin when her (then) ex-boyfriend, 24-year old Rodolfo Hernandez Cruz, appeared to get jealous over the conversation.

Police were told Hernandez Cruz began yelling at Cabello during which he walked around the car, took out a pocket knife and began assaulting her.

He was able to inflict several life threatening wounds to Cabello's neck and face before fleeing the scene. Hernandez Cruz was found and arrested, then lodged at the Washington County Jail.

Medical personnel had transported Ms. Cabello to OHSU where she immediately underwent surgery. Prosecutors say that although Cabello survived and recovered, she still carries the burden of living with constant reminders of that fateful night. She was left with lifelong scarring on her face and neck in addition to suffering an emotional trauma that keeps her terrified.

On May 13th, 2009 Rodolfo Hernandez Cruz's trial concluded. The jury found him guilty, convicting him on charges of Attempted Murder, four counts of first-degree Assault, and five counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Sentencing will be held May 15th at 8:30 a.m. at the Washington County District Court House.