WACO, TX — A Waco woman faces serious charges after authorities say she stabbed two women at her apartment complex, then barricaded herself inside her unit as police responded.
Officers were called to Tennyson Arms apartments on June 7 after receiving reports of a knife attack. Arriving on the scene, police found two injured women who accused Emily LaVelle, 29, a resident of the complex, of stabbing them during a confrontation.
One of the alleged victims was reportedly stabbed near her throat, police said. According to statements provided by witnesses, LaVelle had approached a group of neighbors while armed and proceeded to stab another woman in the group. A struggle ensued as residents attempted to restrain LaVelle, but she managed to flee to her apartment shortly before officers arrived.
The incident followed what authorities described as an earlier altercation between LaVelle and at least one of the victims earlier that day. LaVelle told police she had been involved in a physical dispute roughly an hour before the stabbing. She claimed she put a knife in her pocket after that first argument, suspecting further trouble.
LaVelle gave varying accounts to police during her interview, at one point denying she had a knife and later stating she intended to defend herself, using the phrase “do or die” when questioned about her mindset going into the second altercation. Officers reported that when pressed further about her intentions, LaVelle implied she would go to any lengths to protect herself.
Authorities say the motive behind the disputes remains unclear. Police transported LaVelle to a hospital for a medical evaluation after taking her into custody. She was then booked into McLennan County Jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
LaVelle posted bond the day after her arrest. As of Thursday, her next court appearance has not been scheduled.
The incident has prompted concern among residents of the apartment complex, who say they rarely witness violent confrontations of this magnitude. Police have not released further information regarding any ongoing risk to the community.
Authorities in Waco urge anyone with additional information about the events at Tennyson Arms to contact local law enforcement. No updates have been provided regarding the ongoing condition of the two women who were stabbed.