A 16-year-old Florida boy is facing adult charges after allegedly stabbing and killing another teen during a fight inside the group foster home where they both lived. Authorities say the deadly confrontation began over a PlayStation console.
What Happened in Oakland Park
On Aug. 25, police were called to a residence in the 5400 block of Northeast Third Avenue in Oakland Park, where they found 14-year-old Jordan Dowdy fatally stabbed. Investigators say Dowdy and Ruben Whitworth, 16, got into a fight that turned violent in front of a caretaker at the group home, operated by One Hope United.
Whitworth was arrested Thursday and charged with second-degree murder with a weapon. He is being held at Broward County Main Jail without bond and is expected to appear in court later this month.
Troubled History Between the Teens
Dowdy’s mother, Tiffany Simpson, told WSVN that her son had ongoing issues with Whitworth. She recalled an earlier incident when Whitworth allegedly threatened Jordan over a minor exchange.
“Jordan asked him one day, ‘Ruben, would you like some mozzarella sticks?’ and he told my son, ‘No, shut the F up, or I’m going to stab you and kill you,’” Simpson said. “Two weeks later, he ended up dead.”
Neighbors also said the situation at the foster home had been tense for months. Bobbie L. Pecora, who lives nearby, recalled speaking with Jordan earlier this year.
“I said, ‘Hey, you are new over there. How is everything going?’ And he said, ‘It’s scary,’” Pecora told WPLG, alleging she had seen police respond to the home multiple times.
Caretaker’s 911 Call
During the altercation, a caretaker witnessed the fight and tried to intervene. In a 911 call obtained by WSVN, she can be heard urgently requesting paramedics.
“I don’t see the knife right now, I had to break it up and I had to get involved with this situation,” the caretaker said. She also attempted to comfort Jordan as emergency help was on the way.
Court Documents and Investigation
According to Broward County court records, prosecutors described Dowdy’s killing as “dangerous” and “depraved,” but without “premeditation,” which is why Whitworth was charged with second-degree murder rather than first-degree.
Family’s Grief
Jordan’s mother says her son repeatedly told people he was being threatened in the home but that nothing changed. “The kid kept threatening him,” she said. “I expressed to multiple people who were here within the home with him.”
What’s Next
Whitworth remains in custody without bond and faces trial as an adult. Meanwhile, Dowdy’s family and community are left grieving the loss of a boy described as loving and full of life.
