Domestic violence is a terrifying crime that can have deadly consequences. It’s impossible to get into the mind of another person. We will likely never understand what pushes them to the point of no return and wanting to hurt their partner. After the deed is done, some abusers flee the area in hopes of escaping consequences. Ivan Canchola-Garcia, a 28-year-old father from Wisconsin, allegedly attacked his ex-girlfriend as she held their baby.
Canchola-Garcia reportedly stabbed her repeatedly before taking off, leaving the mother and child covered in blood. Miraculously, both survived, and police began the search for Canchola-Garcia.
Canchola-Garcia had a history of violence with the victim.
According to court documents obtained by WXOX, police in La Crosse responded to a 911 call from a woman who said she thought she was dying on May 15, 2026. When they arrived, neighbors had already jumped in to help the victim, identified online as Kayla, and her 11-month-old daughter. Emergency crews took the mother to an area hospital with serious injuries. The victim’s mother reportedly told police this was not the first time the pair had a violent disagreement.
The victim received serious injuries.
Doctors intubated Kayla to care for multiple serious stab wounds. Canchola-Garcia allegedly stabbed her in the neck, armpit, and left shoulder. Neighbors told police the victim was holding the baby during the savage attack, per court documents obtained by WXOX. The baby, though seemingly uninjured, had blood soaking her clothes.
A friend reportedly contacted police and said Canchola-Garcia came to his apartment and made a shocking confession. “I did what I needed to do,” the man reportedly said. “I tried to kill her. I went for the neck.”
The friend also told police that Canchola-Garcia admitted to waiting outside the victim’s home for 20 minutes before the stabbing to attack her and claimed he stabbed Kayla as she held their daughter, WXOX reported.
Police immediately began searching for the suspect.
Police used Flock cameras to find Canchola-Garcia’s vehicle in La Crosse at the time of the attack. He allegedly stopped near the West Avenue North Kwik Trip and disposed of a knife, sheath, black glove, and N95 mask, according to WXOX. Investigators reportedly found the other glove at the crime scene.
Canchola-Garcia left La Crosse, and Flock cameras spotted him in the Chicago area on May 16. Authorities obtained a warrant and arrested him around 7 that evening, per the outlet. He was taken to the Whitestown, Indiana, Police Department. Canchola-Garcia faces a count of first-degree attempted intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon, and domestic abuse.
We cannot think of any reason good enough to stab someone while they’re holding a baby. If this father had that little regard for his child, then the mother and baby are better off without him in their lives.
