a day ago
‘Hug your children': Father speaks out on his teen son's slaying in Brickell condo
Days before Father's Day, the heartbroken dad of Dominic Ferrell, the 17-year-old stabbed to death in a Brickell condo, is speaking out to thank those supporting his family, to condemn the violent killing and to urge parents to hold their children close.
'On this Father's Day, I pray that you hug your children and appreciate every precious moment you have with them,' Jon Ferrell said in a Friday afternoon statement.
Police have said Dominic was killed in his sleep, stabbed with a kitchen knife by 26-year-old Kyrill Kehl in a condo on the 34th floor of Tower 3 of the Icon Residences by SS Vacation Rentals at 485 Brickell Ave. The stabbing happened around 2:15 last Sunday morning.
Jon was with his son and asleep in the condo when his son, who had just finished his junior year at Miami Beach Senior High, was killed. Shortly after, Kehl would fall to his death at a neighboring building — police have yet to say if the fall was intentional or accidental.
Jon and Dominic, who was the eldest of four children, weren't supposed to be seeing each other that day. Christine Maron, Dominic's mother, had gotten a temporary restraining order against her estranged husband in May, forbidding him from having contact with her or their children.
Dominic visited his father against Maron's wishes, Maron's court filing says.
READ MORE: Teen was staying with dad in Brickell condo when he was stabbed by stranger: court records
In his Friday statement, Jon noted that while their family situation may not have been ideal, the killing of his son was a horrific crime that still needs to be answered for.
'All families have differences,' he said. 'Consistent with Dominic's extraordinary empathy and our loving bond, he chose to join me on the night of this horrific event. Of course, my wife and I will cooperate with law enforcement as we get to the bottom of this senseless murder.'
Jon said that the night before, he and Dominic were making plans for Father's Day, which included a golf game with the entire family.
READ MORE: Fatal stabbing at luxury Brickell high-rise appears to be random, police say
In his statement, he partially condemned the Icon Residences and the ease with which Kehl had gotten through the building. Kehl had entered through the lobby, and waited until two men went up on the elevator, Miami Police said. He got off on the 47th floor, before making his way to the 34th floor.
Tower 3 has both condo units, some of which are rented through Airbnb, and hotel rooms as it's the site of the W Miami Hotel.
'It is unimaginable to us that such a violent and deranged man was able to enter the lobby, elevator, and ultimately, the residential floors of the Icon Residences,' he said. 'I chose to stay at this well-known building because of my expectation of safety and security. I look forward to the Miami Police Department's findings for the closure our family so desperately needs.'
Dozens have expressed their condolences for Dominic, a rising senior at Miami Beach High who aspired to attend the University of Florida and one day own a business.
Russ Rywell, the longtime Beach High speech and debate teacher and coach, was impressed with how Dominic would prepare for a debate.
'He wasn't the type of [student] to not care about schoolwork or to just slide by,' Rywell told the Herald. '...He always put in effort and had a good attitude.'
READ MORE: Teen killed in Brickell stabbing remembered as model student, a friend full of life
In the statement, Jon said he was thankful for the love shown to his son and family.
'On behalf of my family, we want to thank all of you for your outpouring of love and support,' he said. 'Right now is the time for my family to heal and mend as we make funeral arrangements. We are shattered by the loss of Dominic, but we will be strong and will come together with God's help.'
Miami Herald Staff Writer Grethel Aguila contributed to this report.
