A 21-year-old Florida man, Dakota Michael Hayes, is behind bars after allegedly launching a vicious and prolonged knife attack on his brother’s girlfriend—an assault that ended only after his brother shot him in an effort to stop the violence.
The shocking incident took place on August 12 at the family’s home on 60th Drive East in Bradenton, and it followed a full day of disturbing behavior and threats, according to a criminal complaint filed in Manatee County.
Threats Escalated Into Violence
According to police reports, the attack stemmed from a slow build-up of tension. On August 11, Hayes allegedly threatened to kill his brother’s girlfriend “multiple times,” including in front of their mother. The reason? The woman had washed a dish in the sink, which allegedly triggered Hayes’s anger.
The victim told police she believed Hayes had been obsessed with her for years and described him as a “complete psycho.” After making the threats, Hayes was temporarily removed from the house and taken to his grandmother’s home by family members. Still, the day ended without physical violence.
But that changed the following morning.
Violent Attack and a Brother’s Response
On August 12, the woman was lying in bed using her phone when Hayes burst through her door and punched her in the face. He then pulled out a knife and began stabbing her repeatedly.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim suffered at least 11 stab wounds, including injuries to her head, neck, and abdomen. One stab wound was so severe that part of her intestine had to be removed during surgery.
The woman’s boyfriend—Hayes’s brother—rushed in and fought to separate them. But even after being pulled away, Hayes allegedly tried to go back and continue the attack. That’s when his brother grabbed a firearm and shot Hayes to stop the assault.
Both Rushed to Hospital
Both the victim and the defendant were taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment. The woman remains hospitalized, recovering from life-threatening injuries. Hayes was shot twice—once in the left arm and once in the right hip and buttocks.
Hayes was later transferred to Manatee County Jail, where he is being held without bond on charges of:
Attempted first-degree murder
Aggravated assault with a knife
Prior Behavior and Mental Health Concerns
Multiple witnesses told police that Hayes had been exhibiting “episodes” in the weeks before the attack but had never shown violent tendencies until now. The victim and others described him as increasingly unstable and obsessive.
One witness said they had even come over the night before to help take Hayes out of the house to avoid problems, indicating the family was aware of his behavior becoming concerning.
Community Support for the Victim
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the victim recover and relocate, as she reportedly cannot mentally return to the home where she was attacked. The fundraiser aims to support her healing both physically and emotionally.
