A Florida man, Courtney Anderson, 25, has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated stalking, and violation of a no-contact order after allegedly stabbing his former girlfriend 12 times outside her home in front of their two young children. The incident occurred on Friday, with Anderson ambushing the woman after stalking her, leaving her critically injured while he sought medical treatment for a minor injury.
The Attack and its Aftermath
The altercation, which was captured on surveillance footage, shows the woman, the mother of Anderson’s children, walking towards the front door of her home with her 3-year-old and 5-year-old children. As she reached the door, Anderson allegedly attacked her, stabbing her in the head and then continuing the assault, stabbing her a total of 12 times.
At one point, Anderson paused, and the 5-year-old approached the woman as she tried to get back up. Anderson reportedly rushed at the woman again, stabbing her four more times, including in the neck, before she screamed and fled to a neighbor’s house. The woman was later rushed to St. Mary’s Medical Center in critical condition.
Anderson’s Injuries and Arrest
After the attack, Anderson drove himself to a local hospital with a “slice injury” to his hand. Police later connected him to the crime after confirming that his clothing matched what was seen in the surveillance video and finding a “blood-like substance” in his vehicle. Anderson was also questioned about a previous domestic violence incident involving the same woman, where he had been arrested in February for domestic battery by strangulation.
Anderson had been ordered to have no contact with the victim, and a restraining order was in place. However, Anderson claimed that since his arrest, he had not been allowed to see his children as much, and he believed the woman had started a relationship with another man. He also admitted to harassing the new man on Facebook.
Legal Consequences and Charges
Anderson faces serious charges including attempted first-degree murder with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and violating the no-contact order that had been issued against him. He is currently being held without bail at the Palm Beach County Jail, with his next court appearance scheduled for July 28.
This brutal attack has left the community in shock, especially given that it occurred in front of two young children. The case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating impact it has on families.
