In a deeply disturbing case that has rattled the quiet community of Mesa, Arizona, a mother now stands accused of attempting to take the life of her own son multiple times. Erica Encinas, 36, has been charged with attempted murder, child abuse, and aggravated assault after a string of shocking and violent events unfolded involving her eight-year-old autistic son.
The case, now under intense scrutiny by law enforcement and child protection agencies, has left neighbors and community members stunned. According to the Mesa Police Department, the alleged attack occurred on May 26 when Erica Encinas called 911 and reported that her son was injured.
The boy, whose identity remains undisclosed due to his age and the sensitive nature of the case, was quickly taken to the hospital and is expected to survive. What appeared at first to be a call for help from a concerned parent rapidly evolved into a harrowing criminal investigation.
Multiple Methods of Alleged Attempted Murder
The accusations against Erica Encinas paint a chilling picture of a mother repeatedly attempting to harm her vulnerable son. Prosecutors allege that Encinas initially planned to drown the boy in a canal before resorting to physical violence. Among the most disturbing allegations is that she struck the child on the head with a rock—a brutal act that prompted her 911 call.
But that was only one of several attempts prosecutors say she made. Investigators also claim she tried to smother her son with a trash bag, choked him using a rosary, and hit him again over the head with a piece of tile flooring. These multiple, diverse methods suggest a determined and terrifying persistence in carrying out the alleged crime.
Even more heartbreaking is the involvement of the boy’s 12-year-old sister, who reportedly tried to intervene during the attack. According to police reports, the mother responded to her daughter’s intervention by biting her, adding yet another layer of violence and trauma to an already devastating incident.
The cumulative details of these events underscore the extreme level of danger in the home at the time, and the bravery of the young girl who attempted to protect her brother under such horrifying circumstances.
Community Shock and the Role of Authorities
The local community in Mesa has been left reeling in the aftermath of the allegations. Jay Magana, a neighbor who lives directly across from the Erica Encinas home, spoke to local media outlet KCBD 11 about his shock and disbelief. “We’re neighbors… and sometimes, families fight,” he said. “Most of the time, I see the kids playing outside, being good, and we wave when we go by. But when you hear something like that, it’s shocking.”
Magana’s comments reflect a common sentiment in many similar cases—how something so dark and violent could be unfolding behind closed doors in what appears to be a normal suburban setting. Though police were reportedly called to the home several times in the past, no one anticipated the level of violence that was ultimately discovered.
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The case has since drawn the attention of Child Protective Services, who are now involved in ensuring the safety and well-being of the children. This involvement is critical as the legal process moves forward, particularly for the children who have experienced such trauma. The long-term psychological and emotional impact on the boy and his sister will likely require substantial intervention and support.
Meanwhile, Erica Encinas is being held on a $250,000 bond as she awaits trial. The gravity of the charges against her indicates that prosecutors are pursuing the case with full seriousness, aiming to ensure accountability and justice.
Legal and Social Implications
This case raises important questions about child protection, mental health, and the visibility of domestic abuse—particularly when it involves vulnerable individuals such as children with autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often associated with communication challenges and behavioral differences, which can make children with the condition particularly susceptible to abuse, as they may struggle to articulate what is happening to them.
Erica Encinas’ motives remain unclear at this time, and the case may reveal deeper issues related to her mental health or other stressors. Nevertheless, the legal system is tasked with focusing on the acts themselves and their impact on the victims. The multiple alleged attempts to end her son’s life constitute an extraordinarily serious breach of both legal and moral codes.
There is also a broader social dimension to the case. It underscores the need for neighbors, teachers, and community members to remain vigilant about the well-being of children around them. While it can be difficult to identify signs of severe abuse, repeated police visits to a home, as reported in this case, may offer red flags that require more proactive intervention.
Furthermore, the story highlights the importance of adequate resources for families coping with the challenges of raising children with special needs. While no amount of stress or hardship can justify violence, support systems can play a preventive role in reducing parental burnout and offering alternatives to families in crisis.
The case against Erica Encinas will likely continue to unfold over the coming months. Investigators will dig deeper into the timeline, motivations, and possible warning signs that may have been missed. Prosecutors will build their case around the brutal series of events detailed in police reports, and the defense may explore mitigating circumstances or seek mental health evaluations.
But at the heart of it all remains a small boy who suffered unimaginable fear and pain—and a sister who showed immense courage in the face of that horror. Their futures now depend not only on the justice system but also on the community’s response to such acts of violence.
The trauma endured by these children is profound, and it will require years of healing, therapy, and care to begin rebuilding their sense of safety and stability. Meanwhile, the case serves as a stark reminder of the darkest corners of familial violence—and the urgent need to protect those who are most vulnerable.
As the legal process continues, this tragedy in Mesa may catalyze deeper conversations about child safety, special needs parenting, and the role of communities in identifying and responding to danger before it escalates into irreversible harm.