A Homestead woman has been arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing her daughter-in-law during a heated altercation on Wednesday afternoon, according to authorities. Homestead police responded to a call at approximately 3:42 p.m. at a residence located in the 700 block of Southwest Fourth Avenue.
Upon arrival, an officer knocked on the front door, and 57-year-old Celestine Ward answered. Immediately visible to the officer was the victim, sitting in a pool of blood on the living room floor, propped against a cot bed. According to the arrest report, the victim was airlifted in critical condition to Jackson South Medical Center. Her current medical status has not been updated as of Thursday morning.
More: 2-Year-Old Aquira Beloch Nearly Killed by Babysitter, Claims Mother
More: 17-Year-Old Arrested After Fatal Disturbance Claims Teen’s Life at Irvine Beach
Police said that the victim’s daughter provided a key eyewitness account. She told officers that the initial dispute began between her parents, but after her father left the house, a second argument erupted between her mother and grandmother. The child then made a chilling statement: “Grandma started to kill mommy with the knife.
The knife is in the room under the bed.” Following the incident, authorities placed the victim’s children in the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families for their safety. During a follow-up interview at the hospital, the victim reportedly told detectives that she and Ward had been drinking together earlier that day at a Chili’s Grill & Bar.
After returning home, the pair became involved in an argument, though the victim said she couldn’t recall the specific reason for the dispute. The victim said she remembered Ward charging at her. She claimed to have defended herself during the first confrontation, but stated that Ward came at her again, this time armed with a knife, and stabbed her multiple times.
More: Texas Mom Loses Husband and Two Kids in One Instant After Horrific Crash
More: Brain-Dead Georgia Woman Kept Alive to Carry Pregnancy Sparks Debate
Ward gave a recorded statement to police in which she claimed that she had been acting in self-defense. She alleged that the victim had punched her several times in the face. However, responding officers reported that Ward had no visible injuries consistent with her claims.
Ward was taken into custody and booked on a charge of attempted murder. As of Thursday morning, she remains held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Jail records indicate that her bond has yet to be set. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and further details may be released as the case develops.
You Might Also Like:
- Expert Says William Won’t Risk Public Insult Over Sussex Titles
- Meghan Markle May Pull Plug on Marriage Royal Insiders Claim
- Justin Bieber supports Chris Brown after $6.7 million bail
- Prince Harry’s American Life Faces Trouble as Visa Controversy Turns Ugly
- Trump Cracks Jokes and Praises Gators at White House After NCAA Title Win — Says Even 6’9″ Barron Feels Short Around Them