California woman survives domestic violence attack, escapes with help from neighbors

LEMOORE, Calif. (KMPH) — WARNING: This report may be triggering for some and viewer discretion is advised.

A California woman is surrounded by loved ones after they say she survived a brutal domestic violence attack by her boyfriend that nearly killed her.

Doctors said she was put into a medically induced coma because of how badly she was beaten.

Luckily, her family said she was able to escape and get help from neighbors who called 911.

It was the scene of the crime. It was reported as such… and if you’ve ever watched a mob movie, that’s exactly what it looked like. I mean, literally blood everywhere. I mean, it was spread across the curtains on the floor,” said Amanda Krick, one of the victim’s cousins.

What happened to him was described as being in a torture chamber.

The traumatic moments that took place in the home of 40-year-old Desiree Johnson were shared with KMPH. Her family said it was where her ex-boyfriend nearly beat her to death on November 13.

“She said it took about an hour,” said Teresa Diaz, Desiree’s mother. “They had to helicopter her to Fresno because she was unstable.”

Teresa added that Desiree was barely conscious and her head was cracked from being hit with a frying pan. She also had injuries to her body and her face had bite marks.

There was also internal damage that he could not see. She was coughing up blood, there was trauma to her liver and fluid between her brain and skull, her mother said.

The family identified the ex-boyfriend as 41-year-old Octavio Amador Tavira.

“They were very much in love at first. I was just happy that she was. She seemed very happy and they were together all the time,” Krick said.

They were together for a little over a year and we all loved him. I thought he was very sweet, a very good guy. I thought I treated her very well,” added her mother.

Tavira was arrested on November 15 and now faces felony charges of torture, spousal battery, threats of violence and attempted murder.

The family hopes the community can step in to help Desiree make a fresh start and wash away the memories and stains of what happened to her that day.

Desiree will not return to her previous job where she and Tavira met, according to her family. They added that one of Tavira’s family members is one of her bosses.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is available 24-7. The Marjaree Mason Center of Fresno County can be reached at 559-233-HELP.