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Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Teen accused of stabbing 81-year-old roommate more than 100 times at Polk assisted living facility
The Brief A Polk County teen is charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his elderly roommate 113 times at an assisted living facility. The suspect, recently released from a hospital, reportedly heard voices telling him to kill. The case raises serious concerns about mental health oversight and resident safety. BARTOW, Fla. - An 18-year-old man is facing a first-degree murder charge after authorities say he stabbed his 81-year-old roommate more than 100 times inside a Polk County assisted living facility. What we know Eighteen-year-old Moses Ojeda is charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of 81-year-old Patrick Benway. The attack occurred Sunday inside an independent living facility in Bartow, owned by ET Care. Investigators say Ojeda stabbed Benway 113 times while he slept, then confessed, citing auditory hallucinations as a motive. What we don't know Officials have not confirmed how Ojeda obtained the knife, despite warnings from his mother and reported precautions by staff. It's also unclear whether any staff were present during the incident or how Ojeda's mental health concerns were being managed at the facility prior to the attack. The backstory Ojeda had been evaluated for mental health issues and had been involuntarily committed under Florida's Baker Act six times this year. Despite no prior criminal record, he was released back into independent living and placed in a shared room with Benway. The suspect's mother told investigators that she felt unsafe around her son, so she made arrangements to bring him to the independent living facility. She reportedly warned staff to secure sharp objects — a warning that was allegedly heeded but ultimately ineffective. What they're saying Sheriff Grady Judd held a news conference detailing the case and claiming Ojeda confessed to the crime. "He stabbed the victim 113 times, and when we asked him during the interview, he confessed why he stabbed him 113 times. He said, 'The knife wasn't very sharp… voices in my head told me to kill him.'" "Moses said that the person he stabbed and killed was a good person. But he was just told that he heard sounds, voices in his head to kill the victim, and that's what he did," Judd added. Facility staff have not released a public statement but are reportedly cooperating with the ongoing investigation. What's next Ojeda remains in custody on a charge of first-degree murder. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Sheriff Grady Judd: 'Violent death' at group home prompts murder investigation
The Brief Sheriff Grady Judd says that a "violent death" at a group home has prompted a murder investigation in Bartow. First responders found the victim, an 81-year-old white man, dead this morning at an independent group living home owned by ET Care. Judd says they will release more information on Monday. BARTOW, Fla. - Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says that his office is helping the Bartow Police Department investigate what they are calling a "violent death." What we know First responders found the victim, an 81-year-old white man, dead this morning at an independent group living home. Three other people lived in the group home that is owned by ET Care. Judd says that the man was last seen on Saturday evening. READ: Riverview High School teacher arrested for having sexual relations with student: HCSO What we don't know No other information has been released and Sheriff Grady Judd says they will release more information on Monday. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was provided by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
