Yavapai County, Arizona – An Arizona man has been sentenced to a decade in prison after prosecutors say he violently assaulted his pregnant wife in an attempt to end her pregnancy, a case that officials described as deeply disturbing and indicative of extreme domestic violence.
Incident Overview
Joseph Noecker, 43, was sentenced this week to 10 years in the Arizona State Prison for attempted second-degree murder, according to the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office. In addition to the prison term, Noecker will serve seven years of supervised probation for a separate kidnapping conviction once he is released.
The charges stem from a late October 2024 incident in which Noecker restrained his wife and violently attacked her after learning she was pregnant.
What Led Up to the Attack
Court records indicate that the couple had recently learned they were expecting a child. Medical confirmation showed the woman was approximately nine weeks pregnant, and investigators initially noted that both parents appeared excited about the pregnancy.
However, prosecutors said the relationship deteriorated rapidly in the days following the news. Arguments escalated, culminating in a violent confrontation that left the unborn child dead.
Details of the Assault
According to the prosecution, Noecker became enraged during one argument and made a chilling statement that he would “give the victim an abortion.” Authorities say he then restrained his wife, preventing her from escaping, and repeatedly stomped on her stomach.
The victim was later transported to a hospital for emergency treatment. Medical personnel determined that the pregnancy had ended, and the unborn baby was deceased.
Challenges in the Investigation
Investigators faced a critical limitation during the case. According to the district attorney’s office, medical evidence could not definitively establish whether the unborn child died as a direct result of the assault or from a miscarriage that may have occurred earlier.
Despite that uncertainty, prosecutors moved forward with attempted second-degree murder charges. The reasoning, officials explained, was based on Noecker’s belief at the time of the attack that the baby was alive, and his expressed intent to end the pregnancy through violence.
The kidnapping charge was filed because Noecker physically restrained his wife, restricting her freedom of movement during the assault.
Arizona Law and Unborn Victims
Authorities emphasized that Arizona law protects unborn children at any stage of development, applying the same criminal penalties as if the victim were a young child. This legal framework allowed prosecutors to pursue serious felony charges despite the lack of certainty surrounding the precise moment the pregnancy ended.
Prosecutor’s Statement
Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane condemned the attack in a public statement following the sentencing.
He described Noecker’s actions as a “selfish decision to violently terminate his partner’s pregnancy,” calling the case chilling and deeply troubling.
McGrane added that the sentence was intended to send a clear message.
“I hope the prison sentence imposed in this case will send a message that violent crime has no place in Yavapai County.”
Sentencing Outcome
Noecker will serve his 10-year sentence in the Arizona State Prison system. After completing his prison term, he will remain under court supervision for seven additional years due to the kidnapping conviction.
Officials say the sentence reflects both the severity of the violence and the state’s commitment to protecting victims of domestic abuse, including unborn children.
A Broader Issue of Domestic Violence
This case highlights the extreme dangers that can arise in abusive relationships, particularly during pregnancy. Advocates note that pregnancy can sometimes escalate controlling or violent behavior, making early intervention and support critical.
Law enforcement officials continue to urge victims of domestic violence to seek help and report threats before they escalate into life-threatening situations.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, local resources and national hotlines are available to provide confidential assistance and support.
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