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.