Man accused of stabbing a mother in the face and slashing her 9-year-old daughter

UNIONDALE, NY – A quiet neighborhood in Uniondale was jolted by violence on Tuesday night when a domestic dispute escalated into a brutal knife attack. Police say Milton Mendez, a local landscaper, allegedly stabbed a 39-year-old woman multiple times in the face during an argument inside a home on Salem Road. The woman’s injuries were severe enough to require emergency reconstructive surgery, leaving her with long-term disfigurement.

The attack, which occurred around 9:30 p.m., left neighbors in shock. Witnesses described the area as typically peaceful, expressing disbelief that such a violent incident could occur so close to home. “It’s really shocking,” said one neighbor, who wished for the victim’s speedy recovery.

A young child, only nine years old, bravely attempted to intervene in the assault. However, Mendez reportedly turned on the child, choking and punching her before inflicting cuts on her hands. Despite her injuries, the child, along with a 17-year-old, managed to escape the house and call 911, alerting authorities to the dire situation inside.

Responding officers arrived to the sound of the woman’s desperate screams for help. Inside, they encountered Mendez wielding a bloodied knife. Despite commands to drop the weapon, Mendez initially refused, prompting officers to disarm him before taking him into custody. Two knives, stained with blood, were recovered from the scene as evidence.

Court documents reveal the extent of the woman’s injuries, highlighting the brutal nature of the attack. The neighborhood is grappling with the reality that Mendez, known locally as a hard-working and seemingly friendly landscaper, could be involved in such a violent crime. “He always seemed like a good guy, always working hard,” a neighbor remarked, struggling to reconcile the allegations with the man they thought they knew.

Further investigation uncovered that Mendez has a past conviction for driving while intoxicated, adding another layer of complexity to his profile. As the community processes the incident, many are left questioning how well they really know their neighbors.

This tragic event has sparked conversations about domestic violence and the importance of community vigilance. Authorities urge anyone experiencing or aware of domestic abuse to seek help immediately, emphasizing the importance of early intervention.