A disturbing incident unfolded in Margate, Florida, early Monday morning when a man allegedly attacked his sleeping sister with a machete, leaving her with severe injuries. The assault occurred while the woman was in bed with her one-year-old daughter, who thankfully escaped unharmed.
Violent Attack in Margate Bedroom
Ruben Altidore, 36, is facing serious charges including attempted felony murder and aggravated child abuse following the brutal attack. According to an arrest report, Altidore entered his sister’s bedroom and began hacking at her with a machete as she slept. Investigators say he repeatedly struck her, with the victim later recounting his chilling words during the assault: “Oh my God, why aren’t you dead yet?”
The attack left Altidore’s sister with horrific wounds. Authorities detailed a 10-inch gash on the back of her right thigh that extended to the bone. She also sustained a four-inch laceration on the back of her right hand, potentially leading to the amputation of several fingers. Her left index finger and thumb were also severely injured, with near amputations reported.
Child Present During Attack
Adding to the horror, the victim’s one-year-old daughter was in the bed beside her mother at the time of the assault. While the child was found covered in blood, investigators confirmed she did not suffer any physical injuries. The presence of the toddler during such a violent act has led to the aggravated child abuse charge against Altidore.
The victim, despite her critical injuries, managed to escape the bedroom and flee her home to seek help from a neighbor. Her desperate cries for help were reportedly captured on home surveillance video, painting a vivid picture of the terror she experienced.
Neighbor Recounts Victim’s Escape
Luis Pereria, a neighbor, described the harrowing scene. “She ran to the middle of the street and then ran to my front door where she was asking for help,” Pereria told local news outlets. “Apparently she was sleeping when this all happened. I was just baffled by it. How can you do that?” The neighbor expressed his shock and disbelief at the brutality of the attack.
Upon arriving at the scene, investigators were met by the victim, who reportedly exclaimed, “My [brother] is trying to kill me.” A cousin of the victim also corroborated the account, stating that Altidore had attacked his sister with a machete.
Evidence at the Scene
Investigators discovered a significant amount of blood within the victim’s bedroom, with trails leading into the hallway, towards a bathroom, and outside the residence. A search of the home yielded a machete sheath in the kitchen. The alleged weapon, a machete, was later found concealed under a bed. Investigators noted what appeared to be “red smudges” on the blade.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Ruben Altidore was apprehended by authorities on Monday and subsequently booked into the Broward County Main Jail. He is currently being held without bond. Jail records indicate he faces charges of attempted felony murder, aggravated child abuse, and violation of probation.
As of the latest reports, the motive behind this violent outburst remains unclear. Detectives are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Community Impact
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Margate community, raising concerns about domestic violence and the safety of individuals within their own homes. The severity of the victim’s injuries underscores the extreme violence of the alleged assault. The focus now shifts to the legal proceedings against Altidore and the recovery of his sister.
The case serves as a grim reminder of the potential for sudden and extreme violence, even within family structures. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward as the investigation progresses.
