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Insets: Ismael Loya. Background: The area in Phoenix, Ariz., where Ismael Loya was found after being beaten on his walk home (AZ Family).
In a tragic turn of events, an Arizona father was viciously attacked while walking home from work, a journey he was forced to undertake due to his wife’s car being in the shop. The family of Ismael Loya is now grappling with the aftermath of this brutal assault.
Sophia Pinedo, Loya’s wife, shared the devastating news with local station KTVK, stating, “He suffered a brain injury, and doctors have informed us that more than half of his brain is no longer functioning.”
Overcome with emotion, Pinedo expressed her anguish: “They’re advising me to let him go, as he’s likely to endure significant suffering, but I just can’t bring myself to do that. He has fought so hard, and perhaps if we give him a little more time, he can continue to fight.”
On the evening of February 11, Loya was making his way home in Phoenix when he was discovered severely beaten near 27th Avenue and Bethany Home Road, according to his wife. He had left work around 8 p.m., and after he didn’t return home, Pinedo reported him missing.
“He never made it back,” Pinedo recounted to KTVK, her voice filled with sorrow.
Police have launched an investigation to try to figure out what happened, but have yet to identify any suspects.
“You hurt a man who loves his family and didn’t deserve it,” Pinedo said. “If anyone is out there and saw anything, you don’t have to say your name, but help us find out who is responsible for what happened to him.”
Loya’s condition was not known Thursday, but Pinedo told KTVK she will hold on as long as she can to see if he can somehow recover from his injuries. The couple has been together for 13 years.
“I’ve seen [miracles] happen,” Pinedo said. “Anything is possible, and … he could come back to us.”
Authorities have asked anyone with information about what happened to Loya to contact the Phoenix Police Department.