Refugee of St. Louis Tornado Charged After Brutal Grease and Knife Attack on Roommate in Cape Girardeau

 

Refugee of St. Louis Tornado Charged After Brutal Grease and Knife Attack on Roommate in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI — A shocking and deeply disturbing case of domestic violence has emerged from Cape Girardeau, where 23-year-old Sanaa-Azzariya McAffe, a woman displaced by the recent St. Louis tornado, has been arrested and charged in a brutal assault that left her roommate with severe burns and multiple stab wounds.

McAffe, who reportedly lost her home in the devastating tornado that struck the St. Louis area earlier this year, was taken into custody on June 17 after a violent altercation that sent her roommate to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. According to law enforcement officials, McAffe now faces multiple felony charges, including:

•First-degree assault

•Second-degree assault

•Armed criminal action

•Stealing a motor vehicle

A Tragic Turn of Generosity

The alleged victim, whose name has not yet been made public, had extended a heartfelt gesture of kindness by allowing Sanaa-Azzariya McAffe to stay in her home temporarily. McAffe had been displaced by the tornado and moved in just three weeks prior to the incident.

According to Cape Girardeau police, the situation escalated after a verbal argument between the two women. A neighbor, alarmed by sounds of screaming and commotion, called 911.

Responding officers arrived to find the victim covered in blood, barely able to stand, and suffering from catastrophic injuries. Emergency responders transported her to a local hospital, where the extent of her injuries was confirmed:

•Stab wounds to the neck and thigh

•Lacerations to the face and hand

•Severe burns on her face, consistent with being scalded by hot oil

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A Calculated and Callous Assault

In a police interview, the victim detailed the terrifying chain of events. She stated that during the argument, Sanaa-Azzariya McAffe retrieved a pan of hot grease and threw it directly at her face, causing instant burns and confusion.

As the victim struggled in pain, McAffe allegedly escalated the attack by grabbing a knife and stabbing her multiple times, targeting vital areas. Authorities believe the victim narrowly escaped death, citing the severity of the wounds.

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Flight and Arrest

After the assault, McAffe reportedly stole the victim’s cellphone and her vehicle, fleeing the scene before authorities arrived. Investigators quickly utilized Flock license plate recognition cameras to trace the stolen vehicle to the Ferguson, Missouri area.

On June 17, Sanaa-Azzariya McAffe was located and arrested without incident. While the status of the vehicle has not been confirmed, McAffe remains in custody at the Cape Girardeau County Jail, held on a $100,000 bond.

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Legal Proceedings and Community Reaction

Prosecutors have formally filed charges against McAffe, and a court date is expected in the coming days. The attack has stunned the Cape Girardeau community and left many shaken.

“This is a heartbreaking case,” said a spokesperson for the Cape Girardeau Police Department. “The victim showed incredible kindness by offering shelter to someone in need, and that kindness was met with violence. Our hearts are with her as she begins to heal, and we are committed to securing justice.”

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A Community Unites in Support

As the victim begins a long recovery process, both physically and emotionally, community members are organizing fundraisers and support efforts to assist with medical expenses and trauma recovery. Local leaders are also urging caution and awareness, particularly around mental health and crisis response during natural disaster recovery.

The incident sheds light on the growing need for robust mental health services, particularly for individuals grappling with trauma and displacement following catastrophic events like the St. Louis tornado.

A Call for Help and Awareness

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or emotional crisis, help is available:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Final Thoughts

We extend our sincerest wishes for healing and strength to the victim as she recovers from this appalling act of violence. Let this tragedy serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of community vigilance, mental health support, and the need to pair compassion with careful boundaries in times of shared crisis.

Justice must prevail — and healing must follow.

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