Police investigate fatal stabbing at nursing home

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Investigators are trying to figure out the motive behind a fatal stabbing at a local nursing home that claimed the life of a janitor.

Authorities said Danilo Salazar was stabbed by Gregorio Rojas, the brother of a resident at Coral Reef Nursing and Rehabilitation, located on the 9800 block of Southwest 152nd Street.

Police and fire rescue units arrived at the scene just before 4 p.m. Thursday. Investigators said Salazar was stabbed in the neck with a kitchen knife multiple times by Rojas. Crews airlifted Salazar to the Trauma Center at Kendall Regional Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

Rojas was allegedly visiting his brother when, for unknown reasons, he attacked Salazar and then fled the scene. Nearby schools were placed on lockdown as police officers searched for Rojas. Authorities quickly found him in the back of the building and took him into custody. Detectives said Rojas was still armed with the knife.

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 are working to find out why Rojas stabbed Salazar. "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 home, saw Salazar being taken away by paramedics. 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.

Detectives collected evidence from the hallway at Coral Reef Nursing 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. "I'm trying not to be upset, but my mother can't help herself," said visitor Lionel McCloud.

Rojas has been charged with first degree murder.

The investigation continues.

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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