In a shocking and deeply disturbing case from Florida, an 18-year-old man, identified as M. Ojeda, has been charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering after stabbing an 81-year-old man to death in a group home they shared.
The victim, P. Benway, was described by those who knew him as a kind and gentle person. The brutal attack has left the local community stunned and heartbroken.
Attack Occurred Just One Day After Moving In
According to the sheriff’s office, Ojeda had moved into the group home just one day before the murder. The facility was operated by a private provider tasked with supporting people in need of supervised housing.
In the early hours of Sunday, Ojeda entered Benway’s room while the elderly man was lying peacefully in his bed. Authorities say Ojeda stabbed him more than 100 times with a kitchen knife.
In a confession to police, Ojeda claimed Benway did not resist and even asked him, “Why would you want to do this to me?” before dying from the brutal injuries.
No Personal Grudge, But a Chilling Justification
What has shocked investigators and the public even more is that Ojeda reportedly told detectives that he had no personal problem with Benway and even described him as “a good person.” When asked why he committed such a horrific act, Ojeda chillingly said it was because Benway was “already dying.”
Evidence Shows Calculated and Intentional Act
After the stabbing, Ojeda is believed to have:
- Washed the knife and returned it to the kitchen
- Cleaned himself up
- Changed out of his blood-stained clothes
- Hid the clothing in his laundry basket
Investigators say this clearly shows he was aware of his actions and tried to cover them up, which strongly points to criminal intent.
Sheriff G. Judd called it a “senseless and tragic act of violence” and praised his team for acting quickly to arrest Ojeda and gather evidence.
Possible Insanity Defense Expected
Authorities believe Ojeda’s defense will claim he was suffering from mental illness. However, Sheriff Judd stressed that all the evidence points to premeditation.
“It’s a no-brainer that the defense is going to be that of insanity,” Judd said.
“But I’m telling you, he had clear criminal intent. He acted with malice, with forethought, and then he went through the effort to hide the weapon.”
Police say all DNA evidence, the cleaned knife, and hidden clothes back up Ojeda’s story—but also show he knew what he was doing.
Victim Was Well-Liked and in Good Spirits
Those who knew P. Benway say he was a kind-hearted man who had been enjoying his time at the group home. He was said to be happy and cheerful in the days before his tragic death.
His murder has deeply affected the community and the staff who managed the home. Authorities say it is one of the most horrifying crimes the area has seen in recent years.
Ojeda is currently in custody as he awaits further court proceedings. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected as the case moves forward.