Keys man faces murder charge in Stock Island stabbing

Detectives say Manuel Garcia-Avila, victim were friends in past

KEY WEST, Fla. – A 79-year-old Stock Island man was arrested Saturday in the stabbing death of a 68-year-old man.

Monroe County Sheriff's Office deputies said Manuel Garcia-Avila faces charges of murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

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The release of the victim's name is pending notification of next of kin.

Authorities found the victim sitting on a chair outside and bleeding heavily. A kitchen knife was found with blood on a table nearby.

The victim was taken to Lower Keys Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, deputies said.

According to a witness, Garcia-Avila lives on the property where the victim was fatally stabbed.

A witness said he saw the victim earlier in the day and invited him back to the property, where they began to drink beer and talk. The witness stated Garcia-Avila woke up and was angry that the victim was on his property.

Garcia-Avila grabbed a knife and stabbed the victim, deputies said.

Detectives interviewed Garcia-Avila, who stated he knew the victim, and they were friends from the past. He also stated this wasn't the first time he stabbed the victim.


About the Author

Annabelle Caceres is a valued intern at Local 10 News.

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