BOISE, Idaho — A man convicted of violently attacking his estranged wife in front of their children has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, with the judge determining he must serve a minimum of 15 years before being eligible for parole.
Juan Diego Ramos Lopez, 47, received the sentence from Fourth Judicial District Judge Nancy Baskin after he pleaded guilty to domestic violence against his wife in the presence of a child, enhanced by severe bodily injury. The November 2025 incident in Meridian, which left the victim with 26 stab wounds, drew serious concern from the court due to the presence of the couple’s children during the attack, including one child who intervened to save their mother.
During the sentencing, Baskin highlighted the particularly egregious nature of the crime and referred to Ramos Lopez as an ongoing threat to those close to him. The incident occurred while he was under supervised felony probation for previous domestic violence offenses, further emphasizing the gravity of his actions. “You don’t get to stab the woman you love 26 times in the presence of your children,” Baskin remarked, indicating her strong stance on the severity of the crime.
The attack unfolded on a Sunday morning when police responded to a domestic violence call at approximately 7:25 a.m. Officers found the victim in critical condition and transported her to a local hospital. Authorities later reported that Ramos Lopez fled the scene, prompting a search that led police to apprehend him in Oregon later that same day. According to prosecutors, he was found with blood on his hands and the knife used in the attack when arrested by law enforcement.
Prosecutors provided chilling details of the assault, stating that Ramos Lopez not only stabbed his wife multiple times but also threatened to kill her. His teenage child courageously intervened, striking the assailant and calling for help. Despite the severity of the injuries, the victim survived, though her recovery details remain private.
Initially, Ramos Lopez faced charges of aggravated battery, but as the investigation progressed, the situation evolved into a plea deal that included a conviction for domestic violence with an enhancement for serious injury. His prior history of violence and the circumstances surrounding the attack, particularly with the children present, played a crucial role in the judge’s decision-making process.
Baskin’s comments underscored the long-term danger posed by Ramos Lopez, illustrating the risk he would continue to represent even after serving time. The judge expressed her belief that the heinous nature of his actions warranted a substantial prison term, aiming to ensure public safety by delaying his potential release.
This sentence closes a serious chapter in a case characterized by significant violence, marking it as one of the most severe cases Judge Baskin has encountered. Ramos Lopez’s eligibility for parole will be reassessed only after he has served at least half of his sentence, ensuring that he will be held accountable for his actions.