Oklahoma Teenager Survives Brutal Stabbing by Obsessed Former Co-Worker

An 18-year-old Oklahoma girl is recovering after surviving a violent stabbing outside her home early Saturday morning, an attack authorities say was carried out by an “obsessed” former coworker, as reported by The New York Post.

The incident occurred around 1:10 a.m. at a residence in rural Earlsboro, according to the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said Ronaldo Zavala, 24, allegedly approached the teen as she was about to enter her home. Without warning, Zavala reportedly stabbed her 14 times in the neck and wrist.

⚠️WARNING: This post describes a violent stabbing and stalking.

An 18-year-old girl in Oklahoma miraculously survived being stabbed 14 times by an obsessed former coworker who ambushed her on her doorstep.

Ronaldo Zavala, 24, allegedly approached the teen at her home in… pic.twitter.com/36UrqMSNBf

— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) November 20, 2025

A man identified by local outlets as the victim’s brother intervened, fighting off the attacker and sustaining minor stab wounds in the process.

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The children’s mother told 911 dispatchers she awoke to screams on the porch. In a call obtained by WHSV, she said, “Someone with a ski mask came up to my daughter on the porch. She was eating a burger, and what did he do? He started stabbing her, and he said he was so sorry.”

She added:

“He said, ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry,’ and he started stabbing her.”

Zavala fled the scene before deputies arrived. The teen was transported to a hospital and remains in critical but stable condition, authorities said.

Her brother was treated for minor injuries and is being credited with preventing further harm. “He saved his sister’s life,” Capt. Jared Strand of the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office told local media.

Investigators quickly identified Zavala as a suspect. A search warrant executed at his home uncovered evidence that deputies said directly links him to the attack.

Zavala was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and battery, along with assault and battery while masked or disguised. Officials said additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

According to authorities, Zavala and the teen previously worked together at a local movie theater where the alleged stalking began. Strand said Zavala had become “obsessed” with the girl despite her lack of interest.

“He was just obsessed with this female. She had no interest whatsoever, and it just drove him to the brink of committing this crime,” Strand said. He added that Zavala sent unsolicited DoorDash orders and unwanted gifts to the teen prior to the attack.

The victim had previously filed a complaint about Zavala, and he was subsequently fired from the theater, News9 reported.

Authorities urged the public to report stalking behavior early, even when it may not appear threatening. “Anything like this, please report it to us immediately,” Strand said.

“Even though it may appear not to be a big deal, and it’s someone who may have a crush on you or whatever it is, call us so we can take an information report so we have all this information documented.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

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