On January 14, 2025, Thomas Mauro Vasquez, 42, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Causing Serious Bodily Injury (Family Violence) in The 357th Judicial District Court. He was sentenced to 25 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) for his violent attack on his spouse, Joanne Salazar, in their Harlingen home.
The assault occurred on August 12, 2024, when Vasquez used a hammer to strike Salazar multiple times during a domestic dispute. Salazar sustained severe injuries, including multiple fractures and lacerations, requiring extensive medical treatment. Neighbors called 911 after hearing screams from the residence, and officers with the Harlingen Police Department arrived at the scene within minutes. They found Salazar unconscious and bleeding on the floor. Vasquez, who attempted to flee the scene, was apprehended a few blocks away.
Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz highlighted the case as a tragic example of the devastating impact of domestic violence. “This case underscores the importance of holding offenders accountable. We are committed to ensuring the safety of victims and sending a strong message that family violence will not be tolerated in Cameron County,” said Saenz.
During the sentencing, the court heard emotional testimony from Salazar, who described the long-term physical and emotional toll of the attack. “I survived, but my life will never be the same,” she told the court.
The investigation revealed a history of abuse in the relationship, with several prior incidents reported but no previous convictions for Vasquez. Prosecutors noted that the severity of this attack and Vasquez’s lack of remorse warranted the maximum penalty allowed under the plea agreement.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, authorities encourage you to seek help. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or reach out to local law enforcement.
