Grimes County machete attack survivor shares his recovery journey

SHIRO, Texas (KBTX) -A quiet Sunday evening turned into a nightmare for Maria “Teresa” Moreno and her boyfriend Eric Cook, who were attacked with a machete near their mobile home behind the Shiro convenience store. The attack left both survivors with serious injuries and a long road to recovery.

The attack took place last Sunday around 6:30 p.m. According to the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, identified as Elpidio DeLeon Gonzalez, fled the scene but was later arrested in Corpus Christi. Authorities say Gonzalez is currently in custody, but not in Grimes County, as a mental health evaluation has been ordered.

Eric, still shaken by the attack, remembers the terrifying moment he and Teresa came home from the store.

“We were watching a movie together,” Eric said. “As we were walking back from the store, I felt something hit me really hard in the back of my head. It was her ex, and it turned out to be a machete.”

Eric tried to defend himself but suffered life-changing injuries.

‘I have to go back and forth for physiotherapy. I have no feeling in my left hand anymore. My thumb was completely severed,” he explained.

Teresa also suffered serious injuries, losing two fingers and reattaching one. Despite her physical injuries, Eric expects her recovery to be quicker, but she still faces challenges.

Eric’s mother, Shawna Blevins, was home during the attack. She says she heard Eric screaming and rushed to help.

“All I could think about was saving their lives,” Shawna said. ‘Eric would bleed to death if he didn’t get help. He was very badly injured, and so was Teresa.”

Shawna says she fought to protect her family and stop the attacker.

“I didn’t have time to think about anything else,” she said. “I just knew I had to stop him.”

As the family navigates their recovery, they say the support from the community has been overwhelming.

“People have been helping with cleaning supplies and transportation to the hospital,” Shawna said. “I don’t know how long it will take for us to heal, but we are grateful for the love and support.”

Eric says the trauma of that night will stay with him forever.

“I wish I could have protected her more,” he said.

Despite the tragedy, Shawna emphasizes the importance of family.

“Love each other. Support each other. No matter what happens, your family is your family,” she said. “I would do anything for mine.”

Authorities say Gonzalez has not been charged at this time but remains in custody under an emergency mental health evaluation order from police.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help with both Teresa and Eric’s medical expenses.

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