A chilling incident unfolded in Florida when Courtney Anderson, 25, allegedly stabbed his former girlfriend in front of their two young children, after stalking her for weeks.
The violent attack, which took place outside the woman’s home, left the victim seriously injured and forced her to run for help while Anderson drove himself to the hospital. Anderson was arrested shortly after the incident and is facing multiple charges.
The Violent Attack
According to authorities, Anderson’s brutal attack on his former girlfriend was captured on surveillance cameras outside her home. The woman, who was walking toward her front door with their two children, ages 3 and 5, was ambushed by Anderson.
Police report that he stabbed her a total of 12 times, starting with an initial blow to her head. Despite the severity of the attack, the woman managed to scream for help and ran to a nearby neighbor’s house.
As the woman tried to stand after falling to the ground, Anderson allegedly stabbed her four more times, including in her neck. Throughout the entire attack, their two young children witnessed the horrifying scene unfold. After the attack, Anderson fled the scene, and the woman was rushed to St. Mary’s Medical Center in critical condition.
Anderson’s Escape and Arrest
While the victim was being treated, Anderson drove himself to a local hospital, JFK Medical Center, to treat a “slice injury” to his hand. Authorities were alerted to his hospital visit, and upon questioning, Anderson’s clothing matched the description of the attacker seen in the surveillance footage.
Additionally, investigators found a “blood-like substance” on the steering wheel of his vehicle.
Anderson was later arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and violation of a no-contact order. The police also discovered that Anderson had previously been arrested in February for domestic battery by strangulation against the same woman.
Despite a restraining order against him, Anderson reportedly harassed the woman and believed she had started a new relationship.
Anderson’s History of Domestic Abuse
This wasn’t Anderson’s first violent encounter with the victim. Earlier this year, he had been arrested for choking her during an altercation, which led to a restraining order being placed against him.
Police noted that Anderson had been frustrated by the limited time he could spend with his children since the restraining order was put in place. He also confessed to harassing the woman’s new partner on social media.
Despite being read his rights, Anderson claimed he could not clearly remember the details of the stabbing, though investigators found evidence that his vehicle had followed the woman’s car shortly before the attack.
He is currently in custody at the Palm Beach County Jail, held without bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for July 28.
This tragic event highlights the dangers of domestic abuse and stalking. The children who witnessed the attack will no doubt be affected by the trauma they endured.
Anderson’s arrest and the charges against him signal that justice may be on the horizon for the victim, but the scars of his actions will linger. Authorities continue to stress the importance of reporting domestic violence and maintaining protective measures for victims.
