MELBA, ID – A California man is being held on a $2 million bond after being arrested on an attempted murder charge following a domestic violence incident in southwest Idaho, according to the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies arrested Robert Seviano Howell, 32, of Orangevale, California, on Friday, Jan. 16, after responding to a report of an attempted strangulation at Celebration Park. Authorities say park employees contacted 911 after Howell reportedly told them he had choked his pregnant wife.

According to court documents, deputies arrived on scene and detained Howell while emergency medical personnel provided life-saving care to the victim. Investigators allege Howell admitted to detectives that he entered the back seat of the vehicle and strangled the victim with the intent to kill her, stopping only when he believed she was dead. Court records state Howell then left the vehicle and walked away for an unknown period before returning, discovering the victim was still alive, and seeking help from park staff.

Documents further state Howell told detectives there was no argument preceding the incident and that the act was a deliberate attempt to end the victim’s life.

The 33-year-old victim, also from California, was transported to a hospital in Boise, where she remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Authorities said Howell’s five children, ranging in age from 1 to 14, were present in the area at the time of the incident. The sheriff’s office determined the children were in imminent danger, and they were placed into the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue called the case tragic, crediting the quick actions of park employees, emergency responders, and deputies with helping save the victim’s life. He emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence and the lasting impact such incidents have on families.

Howell remains in custody as the case proceeds through the court system.