SHE ESCAPED A VIOLENT PAST AND THOUGHT SHE WAS SAFE — BUT ONE NIGHT BROUGHT THE HORROR BACK, LEAVING HER FIGHTING FOR HER LIFE AFTER AN ATTACK NO ONE COULD IMAGINE.4787

On January 6, 2021, the small city of Wilmington, North Carolina, became the backdrop for a heart-wrenching and violent act that would forever alter the lives of one family. Eline Kinn, a 31-year-old woman, was brutally attacked by her estranged husband, Matthew Stallings. That fateful evening, Eline was stabbed more than 15 times, many of those wounds inflicted on her neck, before being thrown off a second-floor balcony, leaving her for dead.

The Attack

Eline and Matthew had been married, and together they had a young son. However, by early 2021, they had separated, and it seemed that the end of their relationship could not have come soon enough. The details of their marriage remain unclear, but claims of violence and manipulation within their union have surfaced. Some reports suggest that Matthew had been abusive in the past, with accounts of violent assaults and even disturbing claims that he had tampered with Eline’s birth control in an effort to force a pregnancy.

On the evening of January 6th, Matthew Stallings broke into Eline’s apartment with a violent intent. It was there, in the place where she had hoped to find safety and peace, that the unimaginable happened. With no warning, he began to attack her, stabbing her multiple times. Each wound inflicted on her was a cruel testament to his rage and obsession. The violence culminated with Eline being thrown from a balcony, a horrifying 14-foot drop that could have easily claimed her life.

A Mother’s Survival

Despite suffering life-threatening injuries, including critical wounds to her neck, Eline managed to survive the attack. Her strength, resilience, and will to live propelled her through the ordeal. Her survival was nothing short of miraculous. Though bloodied and broken, Eline fought for her life as she lay on the cold ground below the balcony. It was a testament to the strength of a mother’s love—her desire to protect her child kept her alive, even as her body lay battered and broken.

At the time of the attack, their three-year-old son was inside the apartment. His world was shattered in an instant, the terrifying noise and chaos of that evening haunting him long after the physical wounds had healed. The trauma of witnessing such an event, especially at such a young age, is something that no child should ever have to endure.

Matthew Stallings’ Arrest and Legal Proceedings

After committing the violent attack, Stallings fled the scene, leaving his victim to die. It wasn’t long before law enforcement apprehended him, charging him with numerous crimes, including attempted first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a female, and communicating threats. The brutality of the crime sent shockwaves through the local community, and many wondered how such an act could be carried out with such coldness and disregard for human life.

In May 2022, Stallings, having been fully aware of the weight of his crimes, pleaded guilty to the charges against him. The court sentenced him to between 15 and 18 years in prison, ensuring that he would spend a significant portion of his life behind bars for what he had done to Eline. The judge also ordered that he have no further contact with Eline or their child, effectively severing any connection between them.

Though the sentence brought some measure of justice, it could never undo the damage done that night. The emotional and psychological scars left on Eline, her son, and their entire community would linger far beyond Stallings’ imprisonment.

The Unseen Scars of Domestic Violence

While the physical violence Eline suffered is undeniable, the emotional and psychological impact of the attack is just as severe, if not more so. Domestic violence is a cycle that destroys not only the victim but the lives of everyone connected to them. For Eline, the betrayal of a man she once loved, the father of her child, was devastating. Her journey toward healing would be long and filled with challenges, as she navigated both her physical recovery and the emotional trauma that would follow.

Her son, too, would face the weight of that night for years to come. The emotional scars from witnessing such violence and losing the security of both parents at such a young age will impact him in ways that cannot be easily quantified. His mother’s survival may have saved him from worse, but the wounds of that night would remain, a haunting reminder of the brutality his young mind had been forced to witness.

A Family’s Healing Journey

Eline’s survival is not only a testament to her strength but to the power of love. Her fight for her life was a fight to protect her son and ensure he could grow up with the safety and stability she had once dreamed of providing. Her healing journey is ongoing, and while the physical scars may heal, the emotional and psychological wounds will take time.

Her family, including her mother and close relatives, have rallied around her, providing support as she works to rebuild her life after the tragedy. The scars of that night cannot be erased, but with the help of her loved ones, Eline has found the strength to move forward. Her courage in the face of such brutality has inspired many, and her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of survivors of domestic violence.

A Call for Change

Eline’s story is tragically not unique. Domestic violence continues to plague countless families across the country, often leaving victims trapped in cycles of fear, control, and violence. Too often, the signs of abuse are ignored or overlooked until it’s too late. Eline’s survival and the subsequent legal actions taken against Stallings raise critical questions about how we, as a society, can better protect victims and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the first place.

The justice system, though it worked to imprison Matthew Stallings, is not always so quick to act in cases of domestic violence. Many victims remain silent, too afraid to speak out or unable to seek help until it’s too late. We must do better—investing in education, prevention, and support services that help victims break free from abusive relationships before they spiral into violence.

Raising Awareness and Supporting Victims

Eline’s story also serves as a reminder that domestic violence can be hidden in plain sight. The individuals who seem to have everything together—those who are loving, devoted, and seemingly living the American dream—may be the very people suffering behind closed doors. We need to look beyond the surface and recognize the signs of abuse before they escalate into something irreversible.

Supporting organizations that advocate for victims of domestic violence, offering counseling, legal support, and emergency shelters, can help survivors find the strength they need to break free from their abusers. It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness and provide resources for those who feel trapped and powerless.

Conclusion: A Future of Hope and Healing

As Eline continues her recovery, both physically and emotionally, her courage shines as an example of strength in the face of unimaginable adversity. Though the scars of that night may never fully fade, her survival speaks volumes about her determination and the love she has for her son. With time, she will continue to heal, but her story will live on as a beacon of hope for other survivors of domestic violence.

Matthew Stallings may have tried to destroy Eline’s life, but he failed. Eline Kinn’s story is one of survival, courage, and the unwavering bond of a mother’s love. It is a reminder that no matter how brutal the attack, the strength to overcome is greater. May Eline’s journey inspire others to speak up, seek help, and find the courage to break free from abusive relationships.

How can we prevent such tragedies and protect those who are most vulnerable?

Reese’s Journey: A Miracle Born from Strength and Love.2200

April 7th, 2017—the day that would change everything. It was supposed to be a special day, our routine second trimester ultrasound to confirm the gender of our baby. After experiencing secondary infertility, we had longed for this moment. We had made it past the 13-week mark, and after a couple of ultrasounds that showed everything was progressing well, we thought we were in the clear. At our last appointment, we were told there was an 80% chance we were having a girl. The excitement was overwhelming. We already had her name picked out: Reese Taylor Frascona.

The morning of the ultrasound, we were ecstatic. I had been holding off on buying baby clothes, waiting to know for sure if our little one was a girl. My husband, still holding on to the 20% possibility that it could be a boy, was just as excited as I was. When the technician confirmed it was indeed a girl, our joy was immeasurable. But then, something unexpected happened. The technician grew quiet and continued scanning for what felt like an eternity. She then told us she needed to bring in the doctor to review the images. Before leaving the room, she turned to us and said, “I did see something concerning with the stomach, and I don’t want you to be taken off guard when the doctor comes in to discuss it.”

In that moment, my heart sank. I had always been a healthy 25-year-old, and I couldn’t understand how something like this could happen to me. The fear that I felt was indescribable. I felt completely helpless.

When the doctor came in, he told us the unthinkable: our baby had a condition called congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Reese’s stomach and small bowel were already in her chest cavity, pushing up against her heart. I had no idea what CDH meant, and in that moment, I didn’t fully comprehend the gravity of the situation. The doctor explained that Reese would likely be fine while still in utero, but after birth, she would face significant struggles. He mentioned terms like “pulmonary hypertension” and “pulmonary hypoplasia,” and the words “severe birth defect” hung heavy in the air. I asked him, through a flood of tears, “Is my baby going to die?” His response wasn’t definitive, and it left us in a state of confusion and fear.

The doctor told us he would be referring us to a pediatric surgeon at Shands in Gainesville. In the days that followed, we spoke to friends and learned about Dr. Kays, a renowned pediatric surgeon who specialized in CDH. He had a reputation for performing successful surgeries on children with severe cases, and we knew we had to meet him. When we arrived at Shands, we were introduced to Dr. Kays and his team, including Joy Perkins. From the moment we met them, we felt an overwhelming sense of reassurance. Dr. Kays exuded confidence, and Joy’s kindness and wealth of knowledge about CDH made us feel like we had found the right place for Reese’s care.

Reese was diagnosed with left-sided CDH, with her stomach and small bowel in her chest, though thankfully, her liver was positioned correctly. Dr. Kays gave her a 98% survival rate and estimated only a 20% chance that she would need ECMO (a life-support machine for babies with heart and lung failure). The odds were far better than we had anticipated, and for the first time, we began to feel a spark of hope.

At 36 weeks pregnant, we packed our bags and made our temporary move to St. Petersburg, where we would stay at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) until Reese was born. The anticipation of meeting our baby girl was intense. I was induced on August 16th, and on August 18th at 2:35 pm, our beautiful 6lb 2oz baby girl was born. Her tiny cry filled the room, but she was quickly taken to be assessed and intubated. We were overwhelmed with emotions, but there was also a sense of calm because we knew she was in good hands.

The first 24 hours went smoothly, but the following days brought unexpected challenges. On day two, Reese’s condition worsened. She was placed on the high-frequency oscillatory ventilator, a more aggressive form of ventilation. Dr. Kays spent three nights at her bedside, doing everything possible to keep her off ECMO. He told us that she was sicker than anticipated and would need surgery earlier than expected. On day four, Dr. Kays performed the repair surgery to fix her CDH. The surgery went well, but to our surprise, Reese had more complications than we had realized. In addition to her stomach and small bowel being in her chest, her spleen, colon, and 30% of her kidneys were also displaced. Only about 15% of her diaphragm remained intact, and a gortex patch was used to complete the repair.

The night after the surgery, Reese’s oxygen saturation levels began to drop. It was no longer safe for her brain, so at 3:30 am, she was placed on ECMO. The next days were filled with uncertainty. Reese developed a pulmonary bleed, and fluid began to accumulate in her chest cavity, requiring the insertion of a chest tube. Despite these complications, we held onto the hope that she would make it through, just as Dr. Kays had reassured us.

After 13 days, Reese was taken off ECMO, and from that moment on, things started to improve. We were transferred to the NICU, and day by day, Reese’s health continued to stabilize. At 24 days old, Reese was extubated, and by day 25, we were able to hold her for the first time. The journey had been long, but every milestone, no matter how small, felt like a victory.

Reese’s feeding journey started off a little rocky, but once she figured it out, there was no stopping her. She progressed quickly, and by day 48, our miracle baby was ready to go home. She was discharged on minimal medication and, most importantly, no oxygen support. We couldn’t believe it. After everything she had been through, Reese was finally coming home.

It’s been a little over a month since we brought Reese home, and she is thriving. She is steadily gaining weight and hitting new milestones every day. She is defying all the odds, and our hearts are filled with gratitude. Life is precious, and we will forever be thankful for the amazing care Reese received at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. The support we received from Tiny Hero, Dr. Kays, Joy, and the entire medical team has been invaluable. Reese’s journey has changed us in ways we could never have imagined. While we would never wish CDH on anyone, we know that it has made our family stronger and more appreciative of every moment we have with our precious Reese.

Reese’s story is a reminder that miracles do happen. Despite the odds, she fought for her life, and today, she is thriving. We are so proud of her, and we know that she will continue to inspire everyone who meets her. Reese does not let CDH define who she is or what she is capable of. She is a shining example of strength, courage, and the power of love.