The serene landscapes and vibrant culture of Tennessee often mask the dark realities that unfold within its borders. This story takes us to Dixon, Tennessee, where a young mother’s life was forever altered in a horrifying act of domestic violence. Tessa, a 28-year-old mother of two, found herself fighting for her life after an alleged attack by her husband, Zachary Mau.
A Promise Broken, a Nightmare Unleashed
What began as a seemingly normal evening took a terrifying turn for Tessa and her two young sons. “He promised me he would never do that,” Tessa confided in her mother, Tina, from her hospital bed, as reported by WSMV. This heartbreaking statement underscores the trust that was shattered and the terrifying reality that many domestic violence victims face. The attack, witnessed by the couple’s young children, left Tessa with nine stab wounds, broken ribs, a collapsed lung, third-degree burns, and paralysis from the waist down.
A Community’s Heroism, a Family’s Strength
Amidst this tragedy, a glimmer of hope emerged. Two individuals, in the area to pick up an item from Facebook Marketplace, noticed smoke billowing from the house. Rushing into the inferno, they extinguished the fire, unknowingly saving Tessa’s life. Medics arrived to find Tessa clinging to life, with a knife still embedded in her body. “It’s unbelievable,” remarked Christine Gillo, a former prosecutor with extensive experience in domestic violence cases, during an interview on the Law & Crime Network’s “Sidebar” podcast. “The heroic actions of these people are truly unimaginable.”
Dixon Tennessee House Fire
Zachary Mau was apprehended at the scene after allegedly confessing to the crime. He currently awaits trial, facing charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated arson, aggravated assault, and domestic assault.
The Legal Battle Ahead: Justice for Tessa?
Gillo, speaking on “Sidebar,” offered her insights into the complexities of the case. She highlighted that while the defendant’s alleged confession may seem damning, the defense could argue “crime of passion” – a legal defense that claims a temporary lack of control due to overwhelming emotion.
“It is going to be interesting to see how it plays out,” Gillo stated. “The defense will likely try to minimize his accountability by focusing on the ‘why’ behind his actions.” However, Gillo expressed skepticism about the success of such a defense, emphasizing that the prosecution will likely point to premeditation, evidenced by actions like attempting to burn down the house and preventing his son from calling 911.
A Long Road to Recovery: Supporting Tessa and Her Sons
As Tessa begins the long and arduous road to physical and emotional recovery, her family has rallied around her, offering unwavering love and support. Her twin sister, Tory Trotter, created a GoFundMe page to help cover the mounting medical expenses. On the page, Tory describes her sister as “the strongest person I know,” adding, “She and her boys did not deserve this torture.”
The case stands as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence. It underscores the importance of recognizing the signs, offering support to those trapped in abusive relationships, and advocating for justice for victims like Tessa.