Janitor at nursing home dies after stabbing

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- The janitor who was allegedly stabbed by the brother of a resident at a nursing home died from his injuries Thursday night, investigators said.

Police and fire rescue units arrived at Coral Reef Nursing and Rehabilitation, located on the 9800 block of Southwest 152nd Street in Southwest Miami-Dade, just before 4 p.m.

Investigators said the worker was stabbed in the neck with a kitchen knife multiple times by the subject, who was visiting his brother when, for unknown reasons, he attacked the victim and then fled the scene.

Detectives quickly found and apprehended the suspect, who was still armed with the knife, in the back of the building.

Miami-Dade Police Detective Roy Rutland said the violent incident has left residents unnerved. "I mean, obviously there are people in shock," he said. "These are people here that would have never seen this level of violence in their lives and are now having to live through this and through the aftermath."

Police discovered the suspect has a brother who lives at the home, but they have no clue why he stabbed the janitor. "We have many witnesses in this case. We have many witnesses we are interviewing to find out exactly what this man's motive was for his attack," Rutland said.

A woman who was visiting her grandmother at the facility saw the janitor as paramedics took him away. He was lying on a stretcher, he had blood all over his face," said Nadine Brice, "he was unconscious, like, really bad." Brice said she had to walk away after seeing the victim's condition. "I was like, God, Jesus, Lord praise him," she said.

The victim was airlifted to the Trauma Center at Kendall Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries a few hours later. Paramedics were administering CPR to the victim as he was being boarded onto the helicopter.

Back at the scene, more detectives arrived to collect evidence from the hallway where the stabbing happened. Police, blocked the entrance to the nursing home and only granted access to detectives and employees.

With most visitors being turned away, frustrations grew for those hoping to see their loved ones living inside. "I'm trying not to be upset, but my mother can't help herself," said visitor Lionel McCloud.

Friday morning, the motive for the stabbing remains unknown. Authorities have elevated the stabbing to a homicide since the victim's death.

If you have any information on this fatal stabbing, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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