Arizona teen’s threats highlight dangers of domestic violence

PHOENIX — As Domestic Violence Awareness Month continues, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell is drawing attention to a case that underscores the often-deadly realities of abuse—and the difference that reporting it can make.

Mitchell on Tuesday highlighted the case of 15-year-old Troy Aguilar-Olmos, who was recently sentenced in court for a violent attack on his girlfriend in March. 

According to Mitchell, Aguilar Olmos strangled, punched, and threatened his girlfriend with a gun before being arrested and booked into jail.

“Luckily, her sister’s boyfriend was there, and he intervened and got the gun away. The victim reported that the incident in March was not the first instance of domestic violence in the relationship,” Mitchell said. “For millions of people, men and women, this is not a nightmare: It is reality for them.”

Even after his arrest, prosecutors say Aguilar-Olmos continued to threaten his girlfriend from jail. 

The top prosecutor played excerpts of recorded jail calls where the teen warned the victim in Spanish to “watch out” if she talked to another man. In another call, he allegedly threatened to burn down a restaurant where she might work if he suspected she was speaking to someone else.

Mitchell said the case serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing dangers victims face and how important it is to take all reports seriously.

“You don’t have to do this alone,” Mitchell said. “There is a community of support in Maricopa County here to help you, protect you, and ensure that your voice is heard.”

Aguilar Olmos was set to be sentenced to three and a half years in prison, followed by three years of supervised probation for the assault. Mitchell spoke directly to parents across Maricopa County, highlighting how young people can suffer from and perpetrate domestic violence.

“Parents understand that this absolutely can happen to your kids. It can happen to teenagers. The victim in this case was a teenager. The offender was 15 years old, so please educate them about domestic violence, because it happens to them,” she said.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). You can find a list of more local resources here.