El Sereno, a quiet neighborhood in Los Angeles, was shaken by a violent stabbing incident that left a survivor traumatized and fighting for their life. As detectives continue their search for the second suspect, the survivor speaks out about the horrifying trauma they endured. In this article, we will cover the survivor’s chilling account of the near-death ordeal, their road to recovery, and the latest updates on the investigation. The El Sereno stabbing incident is a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in our communities and the importance of staying vigilant in the face of violence.
Daniel Villalobos, a water technician and father of three, was on his way to work when a strange man suddenly attacked him and started stabbing him violently. The attacker was identified as 32-year-old David Zapata, who has also been charged with killing 17-year-old Xavier Chavarin outside an El Sereno restaurant.
Despite being wounded by six stab wounds, Villalobos managed to fight off Zapata and run to a nearby liquor store to call for help. He was bleeding profusely and his first thoughts were for his family- his wife and children. Villalobos’ attack has left him permanently scarred and out of work. As a result, he and his family have set up a GoFundMe page to cover medical bills and living expenses.
The attack not only caused physical injuries but mental ones as well. Villalobos shared that his children and wife could see that he is not the same and that he is struggling mentally. Zapata, meanwhile, is facing 40 years to life in prison if convicted on all his charges.
Prosecutors stated that Zapata killed Chavarin as he waited for his mother outside a restaurant before attacking Villalobos just hours later. Detectives are still searching for a second suspect in connection to the two stabbings. In April, Zapata is due to appear in court to determine if he is mentally stable enough to stand trial in a jail cell.
Villalobos is not one to focus on his attacker, he prefers to concentrate on his family and those around him who are showing him love and support. His attack has left him out of work and unable to provide for his family, making his situation all the more difficult. For Villalobos, his main concern is to provide for his family and to recover both physically and mentally from his harrowing experience.
