Son Arrested After He Defends Mom Against Abusive Boyfriend

Stanley Washington, 43, had 26 prior convictions against him, including two for domestic violence, when in August 2017, he arrived at the Bronx home of his ex-girlfriend around 4:30 a.m.. Washington ‘wanted to talk,’ he promised Lorena Sesma. Despite her ex-boyfriend’s history of violence, Sesma took his word and walked outside the apartment to talk.

Moux Defends His Mother

The conversation between Washington and Sesma went sour quickly. The two began to argue. Wanting no part of an argument with the man, Sesma walked back inside the apartment building. As she shut the door, Washington grabbed it open, sneaking into the building behind her. He immediately began beating Sesema.

Luis Moux, a straight-A high school football player, slept in his bedroom inside the apartment shared with his mother. Moux woke to the sounds of his mom and Washington arguing outside and immediately knew trouble was a brew. The 220-pound offensive lineman sprang into action.

Moux grabbed Washington by the arm, pulling him off his now unconscious mother. The men wrestled around for a few seconds before Moux slammed him to the ground and wrapped his arm tightly around his neck until he fell unconscious, infuriated that he had shown up at the house and hurt his mother.

Sesma had gained consciousness by this time. She called the police.

Washington was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bronx police arrested Moux on a manslaughter charge, claiming that it was “unclear if he acted in self-defense.”

“It’s not cut and dry. There was a battle going on back and forth. It could be self-defense, but that hasn’t been decided yet.”

Moux was given a $50,000 bond and released the same day as his arrest. He hugged his mother the second he walked out of jail.

A lawyer for the teen said the manslaughter charge was a terrible misjustice.

"This is an 18-year-old victim," said attorney Walter Fields. "Some animal tried to hurt his mother and he did what any good, young man would do."

As police began their investigation, it became clear that Moux had acted in defense of his mother. Washington's criminal history included two arrests for domestic violence against Sesma, the first in 2014; and the second in 2016. His abusive behavior ultimately caused the demise of their relationship.

Grand Jury Fails to Indict Moux

An online petition garnered more than 23,000 signatures from people demanding the charges against Moux be dismissed. Over 200 people showed up in support of the young man during this pretrial court hearing, including his high school football coach.

The Grand Jury failed to indict Moux on any charges.

Domestic Violence Statistics

• Women ages 18 to 24 are most likely to be victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
• One in four women and one in nine men will be victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) during their lifetimes
• With an average of one victim of domestic violence every 20-minute, there are more than 10 million abuse victims each year
• Domestic violence hotlines receive more than 20,000 calls on an average day
• 19% of all domestic violence incidents involve a weapon
• Only 34% of victims of domestic violence seek treatment for their injuries
• One in 15 children are exposed to domestic violence each year

What is Domestic Violence?

The power and control wheel can help you better understand the cycle of abuse.

Help is Available

If you are a victim of domestic violence, please get out before something like this happens. I am so glad Moux protected his mom but things could’ve ended much differently. Leaving abuse is scary but no scarier than the fear and misery you live with daily. For free, confidential domestic violence help 24-hours per day, 7-days per week, call (in the U.S.) The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE. Shelters and other services can help get you out of a horrible situation. You can also visit the NDVH website at https://www.thehotline.org/.