ATHENS, Ga. — An Athens family is lucky to be alive after a family friend allegedly stabbed them during the night while they were asleep.
The Cates family shared the traumatic experience that left them shaken on the morning of Jan. 27. Mother, Jessica Cates, said she was startled awake that day.
"I heard screaming. It's like 7:30-ish in the morning," Cates said. "And I went upstairs. He was naked and on top of her."
Jessica said the suspect was a 15-year-old invited guest who had slept over before. He was allegedly mounting her 15-year-old daughter, Abbie, wielding a knife.
"When I turned the lights on in there, I saw blood on the wall," she said.
Her 12-year-old son, Tyler, said he jumped into action to save his sister.
"I didn't think twice," Tyler said. "I just felt like it was instinct, like I had to."
Jessica, who is a nurse, said she rushed her daughter to the bathroom to assess her wounds. But moments later, the suspect allegedly came back and attacked them once more -- stabbing Jessica in the head, neck, and back and Abbie in the head and chest.
Thankfully, there were no punctures to their vital organs.
Jessica said there were no signs that something like this would ever occur. Tyler, still hurt by it all, described the accused as the nicest person he knew.
"He was my best friend," Tyler said.
Eventually, Jessica's husband returned home from work to restrain the suspect. The family called 911.
A representative from Athens-Clarke County Police released the following statement:
"We can confirm that the Athens-Clarke County Police responded to the incident, and we are investigating. Due to the nature of the investigation and the ages of the offender and victims, additional information cannot be released."
Jessica said she was grateful for all the first responders that morning. She would like to see the suspect prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The family hasn't been able to sleep in separate rooms since the incident occurred.
Though she won't be allowing anyone else to spend the night, Jessica doesn't want other parents to lose faith.
"Sleepovers are just an essential part of growing up, and I don't think it's a good thing to shelter your kids from friendships."
The family launched an online fundraiser. People can donate here if they would like to assist them with medical bills and other expenses.