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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A man accused of stabbing a mother of four appeared in court today, with chilling new details revealed in court documents.
Joseph Smate is accused of murdering 24-year-old Queena Isam, the woman with whom he shares four young children. Court documents reveal a four-year-old child alerted 911 dispatchers.
On July 19, the 28-year-old Smate allegedly stabbed Isam to death. On the day of the stabbing, the young child reportedly told 911 dispatchers, “My dad killed my mom,” according to court documents, adding that there was “lots of blood” when she found her mom in the hallway.
Isam’s four children, as well as another child who was not hers, were later found inside the home when police entered it, law enforcement officials said.
“My understanding is they’re fine physically, obviously, this is a very traumatic incident for them,” said Sgt. Kevin Allen, a Portland Police Bureau spokesperson.
From there, the search began for a suspect.
After law enforcement officers discovered Isam’s body in her home in Portland, a man called 9-11 coming from Clark County, Washington.
That man, allegedly Smate, said he had committed a crime, later saying he had stabbed someone he loved a few hours prior.
Smate also allegedly admitted that the knife he used in the killing was in his car.
The Vancouver Police Department and SWAT team then responded and quickly arrested him.
A Portland neighbor also told authorities that Isam and Smate dated for several years but that she eventually left him when things became abusive, according to court documents.
The neighbor said Isam tried hiding from Smate at that home in Southeast Portland, where she was later stabbed to death.
“Many of the officers that respond to stuff like this, we’re parents as well. And really, our hearts go out to these kids,” Allen said.
Smate is now accused of second-degree murder and burglary for allegedly breaking into Isam’s home to commit the murder. He has pleaded not guilty to both crimes.
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Ariel Iacobazzi
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