32-year-old Robert Seviano Howell allegedly attempted to strangle his pregnant wife on family vacation at Celebration Park
An Orangevale man is being held on a $2 million bond after authorities say he deliberately attempted to kill his pregnant wife while the couple and their children were traveling out of state, a violent incident that unfolded at a public park and left the woman hospitalized.
According to the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, 32-year-old Robert Seviano Howell of Orangevale was arrested on the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 16, after deputies responded to a reported attempted strangulation at Celebration Park, located south of Melba.
Sheriff’s officials said Howell admitted to park employees that he had choked his pregnant wife while deputies were en route to the scene. Upon arrival, deputies immediately detained Howell as emergency medical services personnel began providing life-saving medical care to the victim. She was transported to a Boise hospital in critical condition. As of the most recent update from authorities, the victim remains hospitalized, and no additional details regarding her condition or recovery have been released.
Court documents outline a calculated sequence of events leading up to the assault. Investigators said Howell sent the couple’s five children, ranging in age from 1 to 14, away from the family vehicle, though they remained nearby. Howell then entered the back seat of the vehicle and began strangling the victim with the intent to kill her.
According to those court records, Howell told detectives he continued strangling the victim until he believed she was dead. After stopping, Howell exited the vehicle, leaving the victim inside, and walked away from the area. Howell told investigators he went to look out over the Snake River for an unknown amount of time before returning to the vehicle.
When Howell opened the vehicle door upon returning, court documents state he discovered the victim was still alive. Howell then ran to seek help from park employees, who contacted 911 and remained with the victim until deputies and emergency responders arrived.
Investigators said Howell clarified during interviews that there was no argument or disturbance that preceded the attack. According to court documents, Howell told detectives the strangulation was a deliberate act and not carried out in the midst of a disagreement, stating that he intentionally attempted to end the victim’s life.
Following the incident, the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office declared the five children to be in imminent danger. The children were placed into the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
Howell has been charged with felony attempted murder and remains in custody at the Canyon County Jail with bond set at $2 million. Authorities have not announced when Howell is expected to make his next court appearance.
Under Idaho law, the charge includes a sentencing enhancement if the attempted felony results in great bodily injury, significantly increasing the potential length of incarceration if Howell is convicted.
Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue described the case as a tragic example of domestic violence and its devastating impact on families.
“Domestic violence is one of the most horrific crimes we encounter because it strikes at the very heart of safety and trust,” Donahue said. . “This case is tragic. A woman was nearly killed by someone she trusted. It is our sincere hope and prayer that she fully recovers from this horrible experience. Unfortunately, a family unit has been destroyed. This is the true face and tragedy of domestic violence.”
Donahue added that the victim’s survival was due in part to her own strength and the swift actions of park employees, emergency medical personnel, and deputies who responded to the scene. He added that the sheriff’s office remains committed to protecting victims and increasing awareness surrounding domestic violence.
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