LA CROSSE, Wis. — A violent incident involving a Wisconsin man and his ex-girlfriend has led to charges of attempted first-degree intentional homicide. The accused, Ivan Aldair Canchola-Garcia, 28, reportedly stabbed the woman while she was holding their 11-month-old child. The attack, which occurred on May 15, has raised concerns about domestic violence, particularly given the child’s presence during the assault.
According to police reports, the woman sustained multiple stab wounds during the altercation and was subsequently hospitalized. Fortunately, the infant was unharmed. The swift police response initiated an extensive investigation, utilizing surveillance footage, license plate readers, and evidence recovered from the scene to track down Canchola-Garcia, who authorities believe may have fled Wisconsin shortly after the incident.
The assault took place late at night in a residential neighborhood on 16th Street South. Officers received a call for assistance around 11:22 p.m., arriving to find the woman injured but conscious. As the investigation unfolded, police moved quickly to label the incident as isolated, indicating there was no broader risk to the community.
Key elements of the case include Canchola-Garcia’s alleged purchase of a knife from a local Walmart just hours before the attack. Investigators cite security footage showing him inside the store, using data from license plate readers to corroborate his whereabouts. Reports suggest he approached the victim’s residence masked and gloved before carrying out the attack.
Further complicating the case, authorities recovered items linked to the incident, including the knife, gloves, and mask, discarded at a nearby Kwik Trip convenience store. A friend of the suspect reported that Canchola-Garcia admitted to the crime, claiming, “I did what I needed to do. I tried to kill her.” Such statements, if verified, could play a significant role in demonstrating his intent during the assault.
Following a coordinated effort, Canchola-Garcia was arrested in Whitestown, Indiana, the day after the stabbing. Law enforcement in that area located him based on outstanding warrants. The interstate dimension of the case adds complexity, particularly as authorities seek to understand how he managed to leave Wisconsin so swiftly after the crime. While prosecutors are preparing their case, details about his travel and any potential accomplices remain unclear.
Canchola-Garcia faces serious charges, including attempted homicide and allegations related to domestic abuse involving a dangerous weapon. Although the specific motive behind his actions has not been established, the nature of the attack suggests a premeditated assault on the mother of his child. The timeline of events is still unfolding, and available records do not indicate whether the victim had sought any prior protection from him.
The case has drawn public attention, not only due to the severity of the crime but also because of the implications for domestic violence awareness. The victim’s identity remains confidential, and her condition, while stabilized, is still being monitored. Authorities stated that she is expected to survive, but the full extent of her recovery is not yet known.
As Canchola-Garcia remains in custody on a $1 million bond, the upcoming court proceedings will be closely watched. Prosecutors will likely face challenges demonstrating both the act of violence and the intent behind it, while defense attorneys may dispute the admissibility of certain evidence. The ongoing investigation continues as the case proceeds through the legal system, with court appearances anticipated in the near future.