A 36-year-old Florida man is accused of repeatedly attacking his sister with a machete while she slept beside her 1-year-old daughter in Margate. The woman survived with severe injuries to both hands and her right thigh, according to investigators. The child was found covered in blood but was not injured, officials said. The suspect was arrested Monday and remains held without bond while the motive remains unclear.
| 1) | Alleged bedroom attack |
| 2) | Extent of the victim’s injuries |
| 3) | Child found unharmed |
| 4) | Evidence and neighbor accounts |
| 5) | Charges and investigation |
Alleged bedroom attack
Investigators allege that Ruben Altidore, 36, entered or was in his sister’s bedroom in Margate, Florida, on Monday and repeatedly struck her with a machete as she slept beside her 1-year-old daughter. Margate is located about 40 miles north of Miami. According to an arrest report, the attack was an unsuccessful attempt to kill the woman.
The report states that Altidore shouted during the assault, while the woman attempted to survive the repeated blows. The circumstances leading to the attack have not been publicly explained, and investigators have not identified a motive.
“Oh my God, why aren’t you dead yet?”
Extent of the victim’s injuries
The victim suffered extensive injuries, according to investigators. She sustained a wound of about 10 inches on the back of her right thigh that reached the bone. She also suffered a four-inch laceration to the back of her right hand, with the possible amputation of at least four fingers.
Investigators further reported a near amputation of the woman’s left index finger and thumb, along with a cut to her left palm and a near amputation of her left thumb. Despite the injuries, she managed to leave the residence and seek help from a nearby neighbor.
Child found unharmed
The victim’s 1-year-old daughter was in the bed during the alleged attack. Afterward, investigators found the child lying in the bed and covered in blood. Officials said the toddler was not injured.
The child’s presence is central to the aggravated child abuse charge filed against Altidore. The available account does not state whether the blood came from the child’s mother or describe any additional circumstances involving the toddler after officers arrived.
Evidence and neighbor accounts
The woman escaped after the attack and ran toward a neighbor’s home while screaming for assistance. Her screams were reportedly captured by home surveillance video. A neighbor told investigators that she ran into the street and then to his front door seeking help.
“My [brother] is trying to kill me,” the woman reportedly told investigators as they arrived.
Luis Pereria, a neighbor, said the woman appeared to have been sleeping when the attack occurred and described himself as baffled by what had happened. Investigators reported finding a large amount of blood in the bedroom, along the hallway, near a bathroom door and outside the home.
Charges and investigation
Altidore was arrested Monday and booked into the Broward County Main Jail. Jail records show charges of attempted felony murder, aggravated child abuse and violation of probation. He was being held without bond.
Investigators also reported finding a machete sheath in the kitchen and a machete under a bed with what appeared to be red smudges. The evidence is part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not announced a motive, and the allegations have not been adjudicated in court.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A 36-year-old man is accused of attacking his sister with a machete in Margate. |
| 2 | The woman suffered severe injuries to her hands and right thigh. |
| 3 | Her 1-year-old daughter was found covered in blood but was not injured. |
| 4 | The suspect faces attempted felony murder, aggravated child abuse and probation charges. |
| 5 | A motive has not been disclosed. |
Summary
The alleged attack left a Margate woman with potentially life-altering injuries and placed her young daughter in the middle of a violent incident. Police arrested Ruben Altidore and cited physical evidence, witness accounts and the victim’s statements in the case. The investigation remains active, and the motive is still unknown. The charges are allegations, and Altidore is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
Ruben Altidore, 36, was arrested in connection with the alleged machete attack in Margate, Florida.
What charges does he face?
Jail records list attempted felony murder, aggravated child abuse and violation of probation.
Was the child injured?
Investigators said the 1-year-old child was found covered in blood but was not injured.
What is known about the motive?
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the alleged attack.
