Mother survives alleged stabbing, burning by husband in front of kids

( NewsNation ) — Tessa Trotter was stabbed and set on fire, allegedly by her husband Zachary Mowel, while their children were forced to watch.

She said her children were “begging their dad not to kill mommy.”

Trotter joined NewsNation’s “ Banfield ” on Wednesday exclusively from her hospital bed to share her story of recovery.

“He’s more than dead to me,” Trotter said, recounting the time her husband allegedly poured gasoline over her body, watched her burn and said she was going to die in their house.

“I thought that was the end. All I could think about was my boys and what was going to happen to them,” Trotter said.

Mowel never showed any warning signs, Trotter said. The couple had been together nine years, but Trotter said she had asked Mowel for a divorce two months prior.

“He never showed any signs. Never raised a hand,” Trotter said.

Trotter was reunited on “Banfield” with the good Samaritans, Clay and Ralph Grayson, who rescued her. Trotter broke down immediately, thanking the men who she says saved her life.

“I can’t say thank you enough. I’m beyond grateful. I would not be here if it weren’t for you,” Trotter said.

A GoFundMe page was started to offset Trotter’s medical bills. She was paralyzed from the waist down and suffered third-degree burns. All of her ribs were broken, and she had nine stab wounds.

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