Warning: Graphic Video: CLT Family Shows Reality of Domestic Violence
CHARLOTTE, NC — A Charlotte mother is in the hospital Wednesday after police say her boyfriend trapped her inside her burning home with her toddler.
The victim’s family spoke only to WCCB Charlotte about the terrifying escape.
Inside the home, the floor is charred where police suspect Arturo Bizarro started the flames in an attempt to murder his girlfriend, Julianna Carillo, and her two-year-old son.
The victim’s sister, Lubria Alegia, says the pair were together a year before the violence escalated.
“Find help. Don’t keep hiding for any man,” said Alegia. “You have to speak out.”
Braxton Winston heard her scream from across the street just before 1:00am Tuesday morning.
“Sounded like someone saying, ‘Help me! Help me! I need help! Somebody. Somebody!’ Over and over again,” said Winston.
Investigators say Bizarro had just strangled the mother, beat her while she was unconscious, lit the home on fire and trapped her and her son in the bedroom.
She punched out a window to escape.
“I was like, ‘Are you okay? Is your son okay?’ And she said, ‘Somebody help my kid. He’s going to kill me. He’s going to kill me’,” said Winston.
Winston went so far as to follow the ambulance to the hospital and stay with the baby until family arrived. Firefighters had to resuscitate Bizarro.
When he regained consciousness, witnesses say he hit an officer.
He faces a number of charges including attempted murder and arson.
“They’re safe now, and she hopes that she recovers real fast so she can come home with her son,” said Alegia.
In Mecklenburg County, 11 people have died due to domestic violence this year, compared to seven deaths in all of last year.
There are a number of agencies that can help anyone suffering abuse. Click here to see how you can reach them.
