A 57-year-old Florida woman has been arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing her daughter-in-law in front of her grandchildren. The shocking incident happened in Homestead, Florida, and came to light when the children themselves told police what they saw.
What Happened in the Home
Celestine Ward, the accused grandmother, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon. According to police reports, officers responded to a distress call and found the alleged victim, Ward’s daughter-in-law, lying in a pool of blood inside the home.
She was critically injured and immediately airlifted to the hospital for emergency treatment.
The key eyewitnesses were children inside the house — Ward’s own grandchildren. One of the young girls told police, “Grandma started to kill mommy with the knife.” She also reportedly said the weapon was hidden under the bed.
What Led to the Alleged Attack
According to police records, the children said there had been a fight earlier between their parents. After their father left the home, Ward and the victim got into a heated argument. That argument then allegedly turned violent.
The police affidavit states that Ward’s daughter-in-law later confirmed the events during her interview from the hospital. She told investigators that both women had gone to Chili’s Bar & Grill earlier that day, where they had been drinking alcohol.
After they returned home, the argument escalated and Ward allegedly charged at her. The victim said she tried to defend herself, but Ward reportedly stabbed her multiple times.
Ward’s Side of the Story
Celestine Ward also gave a recorded statement to police. In her version, she claimed that her daughter-in-law attacked her first and even punched her in the face. However, officers noted that Ward had no visible injuries, which raised doubts about her story.
Children Taken Into Protective Custody
Following the incident, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) stepped in and took custody of the children to ensure their safety.
Ward was arrested shortly after the police investigation and taken to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. She is currently being held without bond as the case moves forward.