Matteson Woman Charged With Multiple Felonies After Alleged Knife Attack, Strangulation in Merrillville
Cecilia G. Ortega-Gomez, 25, of Matteson, Illinois, is facing multiple felony charges following a reported domestic violence incident involving a knife and alleged strangulation at a Merrillville residence early Tuesday morning.
According to court records, Merrillville police were dispatched around 12:14 a.m. on December 29, 2025, to a residence in the 8500 block of Florida Street in reference to a domestic battery. Officers made contact with a male victim at the front door who was actively bleeding and suffering from a laceration to the forehead, a cut to the neck, and a puncture wound to the left bicep.
Police reported Ortega-Gomez was observed inside the residence with blood on her hands and legs and visible injuries to her face. Medics were requested to the scene and treated the victim for his injuries. Ortega-Gomez declined medical treatment.
The probable cause affidavit states the incident began after the couple had been watching a football game and later went upstairs to a bedroom. Ortega-Gomez allegedly accused the victim of cheating and demanded access to his phone. A physical struggle followed, during which Ortega-Gomez is accused of placing her hands around the victim’s neck, restricting his breathing.
Investigators say Ortega-Gomez later retrieved a kitchen knife from a dresser drawer and attacked the victim, causing the injuries observed by officers. The affidavit states Ortega-Gomez allegedly told the victim he was “going to die tonight” during the assault. The victim was able to retrieve his phone and call police for help.
Officers documented blood in multiple areas of the home, including the upstairs bedroom and bathroom. A broken piece of a knife blade was located inside the shower, and the remaining portion of the knife was recovered from a dresser drawer and placed into evidence.
Police reported three children were present in the home and could hear the disturbance, identified as a 14-year-old, 13-year-old, and 1-year-old. One child reportedly ran from the residence and was later located hiding in an upstairs bedroom closet. The Indiana Department of Child Services was notified.
Ortega-Gomez provided a recorded statement after being advised of her rights, admitting she possessed the knife and swung it while holding a bathroom door shut. Investigators noted inconsistencies in her account and stated she could not explain when the victim was stabbed. Detectives reported they did not find her explanation to be credible.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed December 30,2025:
Cecilia G. Ortega-Gomez has been charged with:
• Domestic Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon – Level 5 Felony
• Strangulation – Level 6 Felony
• Domestic Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury – Level 6 Felony
• Domestic Battery Committed in the Presence of a Child Under 16 – Level 6 Felony
• Domestic Battery – Class A Misdemeanor
