Four-Year-Old Calls 911 After Witnessing Mother Stabbed to Death in Portland

Neilyann Ysam was found stabbed to death in her aunt's home in Portland, Oregon, after her four-year-old daughter called the police

A four-year-old girl made a harrowing 911 call after allegedly witnessing her father fatally stab her mother in Portland, Oregon. The child reportedly told the dispatcher, “My dad killed my mom,” and identified her father as 28-year-old S. Mate Joseph.

Neilyann Ysam, 24, was found dead by police at a home in Portland at approximately 12:30 p.m. on July 19. Authorities said five children were present in the home, which belongs to Ysam’s aunt. The children and Ysam had been staying there for several weeks after leaving their previous residence in Vancouver, Washington, due to alleged domestic violence involving Joseph.

Deputy District Attorney Brian Davidson described the situation as extremely traumatic for the young witness, noting that it is rare for a child to witness such a violent act. Joseph reportedly also called 911, claiming he had stabbed a “loved one” and was unsure of their condition.

The toddler told the 911 dispatcher that her father, S Mate Joseph, killed his mother

Police arrested Joseph several hours later in Vancouver, roughly 15 minutes from Portland. He faces charges including second-degree murder, first-degree burglary, and unlawful use of a weapon, and has pleaded not guilty.

Joseph has a history of domestic violence. In 2019, he pleaded guilty to assaulting Ysam while she was pregnant. During that incident, his 16-year-old brother, Clayton Joseph, allegedly threatened responding officers with a knife and was fatally shot by police. In 2020, Joseph was also found violating a no-contact order when he was stopped in a car with Ysam.

The case is under investigation, and authorities continue to work to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved.