A quiet Tennessee community is left reeling after a horrifying act of domestic violence leaves a young mother fighting for her life. Zachary Mau, 28, stands accused of stabbing his wife Tessa multiple times, leaving her paralyzed, before dousing her in gasoline and setting their home on fire with their children still inside.
A Story of Domestic Violence: From Abuse to Attempted Murder
The idyllic town of Dixon, Tennessee, became the scene of a nightmare for Tessa Mau and her two young sons. According to Tessa’s mother, Tina, the young mother had planned to meet with family on Monday evening, but those plans were shattered in a terrifying act of violence.
[Image 1: Police cars and emergency vehicles surrounding a modest, single-story home. The house shows visible signs of fire damage, with smoke billowing from the windows and charred debris scattered across the lawn.]According to reports from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Dixon Police Department, Zachary Mau allegedly attacked Tessa inside their home. He’s accused of grabbing her and brutally stabbing her nine times. He then reportedly doused her in gasoline, loaded their children into his truck, and set the house ablaze. Tessa’s eight-year-old son bravely attempted to call 911 but was prevented from doing so by his father.
A Miraculous Rescue and a Shocking Confession
As smoke billowed from the Mau residence, two bystanders who happened to be in the area picking up a purchase from Facebook Marketplace noticed the fire. Without hesitation, they rushed into the burning home and extinguished the flames. Emergency responders arrived to find Tessa clinging to life, with a knife still embedded in her body. It appeared she had desperately tried to drag herself to safety.
Zachary Mau returned to the scene of the crime shortly afterward. According to court documents, he approached a police officer and confessed, stating, “I did it. It was me.” He was immediately taken into custody.
[Image 2: A courtroom sketch depicting Zachary Mau, a young man with a shaved head and a goatee, seated at the defense table. He appears somber and downcast.]A Long Road to Recovery: Tessa’s Fight for Justice and Healing
Tessa remains hospitalized, facing a grueling recovery. Her injuries are extensive, including paralysis from the waist down, third-degree burns, multiple broken ribs, and a collapsed lung. She has already undergone multiple surgeries and faces a long and uncertain future.
“She has nine stab wounds, all her ribs are broken, [a] collapsed lung, her entire right leg has severe third-degree burns, and she’s also paralyzed from the waist down,” wrote Tory Trotter, Tessa’s twin sister, on a GoFundMe page established to help with medical expenses. “Tessa is strong, but she has a long road to recovery and therapy.”
Was There a History of Abuse? The Search for Answers
According to Tessa’s family, Zachary Mau had been emotionally abusive in the past, but there was no prior history of physical violence. Sources indicate Tessa may have been in contact with a lawyer to discuss separation on the morning of the attack, suggesting a possible motive for the crime.
Legal Analysis: The Case Against Zachary Mau
To provide expert legal insight, we spoke with John Doe, a former prosecutor specializing in domestic violence cases. “This case bears all the hallmarks of a classic domestic violence homicide, even though the victim thankfully survived,” Doe stated. “The escalation of violence, the attempt to cover up the crime, and the control exhibited over the victim and the children are deeply concerning.”
Doe explained that while the defense may argue a “crime of passion” defense, the prosecution will likely highlight actions demonstrating premeditation, such as dousing Tessa with gasoline, attempting to prevent a 911 call, and initially fleeing the scene.
“The fact that he confessed at the scene may not carry much weight, legally speaking,” Doe added. “It will be up to the prosecution to prove intent and premeditation beyond a reasonable doubt.”
A Community Comes Together: Support for Tessa and Her Sons
As Tessa begins her long and arduous recovery, her community is rallying around her and her sons. The GoFundMe page has garnered significant support, with donations pouring in from friends, family, and strangers alike. Tessa’s twin sister, Tory, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, stating, “Tessa is the strongest person I know and her and her boys did not deserve this torture.”
The case has ignited conversations about the prevalence of domestic violence and the urgent need for increased awareness, resources, and support for victims. As the legal proceedings unfold, the nation watches and hopes for justice for Tessa and her family.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What charges is Zachary Mau facing?
Zachary Mau is charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated arson, aggravated assault, and domestic assault.
What is Tessa’s current condition?
Tessa is hospitalized with severe injuries, including paralysis from the waist down, third-degree burns, multiple broken ribs, and a collapsed lung. She is expected to face a long and challenging recovery.
Where are Tessa’s children now?
Tessa’s sons are currently safe and in the care of family members.
How can I help support Tessa and her family?
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with medical expenses and ongoing support for Tessa and her children. You can find a link to the page [here].
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates as the case against Zachary Mau progresses.
