A Florida man is accused of repeatedly attacking his sister with a machete while she slept beside her 1-year-old daughter. The attack occurred Monday in Margate, about 40 miles north of Miami, according to an arrest report. The woman survived with severe injuries, while her toddler was found covered in blood but without physical injuries. Ruben Altidore, 36, was arrested and held without bond on charges including attempted felony murder.
Investigators have not identified a motive for the alleged attack. The victim escaped the home and sought help from a neighbor after suffering deep wounds to her legs, hands and fingers.
| 1) | Attack reported in Margate bedroom |
| 2) | Victim suffers severe hand and leg injuries |
| 3) | Toddler found unharmed in blood-covered bed |
| 4) | Evidence and witness accounts gathered |
| 5) | Suspect faces multiple criminal charges |
Attack reported in Margate bedroom
Authorities allege that Ruben Altidore entered or was present in his sister’s bedroom in Margate on Monday and repeatedly struck her with a machete while she was sleeping. The woman was in bed beside her 1-year-old daughter when the assault began. The arrest report states that Altidore allegedly shouted, “Oh my God, why aren’t you dead yet?” during the attack.
The victim eventually left the residence and ran to a nearby home for assistance. Her screams were also reportedly captured by a home surveillance system. The circumstances leading to the confrontation remain unclear, and investigators have not announced a motive.
Victim suffers severe hand and leg injuries
The woman survived but sustained extensive injuries, according to investigators. The reported wounds included a 10-inch cut reaching the bone on the back of her right thigh and a four-inch laceration on the back of her right hand.
Investigators also reported a possible near amputation of at least four fingers, a near amputation involving the left index finger and thumb, and a cut to the left palm that nearly severed the left thumb. The details illustrate the severity of the alleged assault, though the victim’s current medical condition has not been disclosed.
Toddler found unharmed in blood-covered bed
After the attack, investigators found the victim’s 1-year-old daughter lying in the bed. The child was covered in blood, officials said, but had no reported physical injuries.
The child’s presence added an aggravated child abuse charge to the case, according to jail records. The available account does not state whether the blood belonged to the injured woman or describe any separate physical contact involving the toddler.
Evidence and witness accounts gathered
Police documented a large amount of blood inside the bedroom, with a trail extending into the hallway, toward a bathroom door and outside the home. A machete sheath was found in the kitchen, while a machete was located beneath a bed with what investigators described as apparent red smudges.
The victim reportedly told arriving investigators, “My brother is trying to kill me.” A cousin also told investigators that Altidore had attacked his sister. Neighbor Luis Pereria said the woman ran into the street and then to his front door seeking help after the incident.
“She ran to the middle of the street and then ran to my front door where she was asking for help. Apparently she was sleeping when this all happened. I was just baffled by it. How can you do that?”
Suspect faces multiple criminal charges
Ruben Altidore was arrested Monday and booked into the Broward County Main Jail. Jail records list charges of attempted felony murder, aggravated child abuse and violation of probation.
Authorities are holding Altidore without bond. The allegations remain pending in court, and the available records do not indicate that a final determination of guilt has been made. Investigators have not released a reason for the alleged attack.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The alleged machete attack occurred Monday in Margate. |
| 2 | The victim suffered severe wounds to her legs, hands and fingers. |
| 3 | Her 1-year-old daughter was found covered in blood but uninjured. |
| 4 | Altidore is being held without bond on three charges. |
Summary
Authorities accuse Ruben Altidore of a violent bedroom attack that seriously injured his sister and placed her young daughter in a blood-covered scene. Physical evidence, witness statements and the victim’s account form the basis of the reported investigation. Altidore remains jailed without bond while the case proceeds, and a motive has not been established.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Margate?
Authorities allege that Ruben Altidore attacked his sister with a machete while she slept beside her 1-year-old daughter.
Was the child injured?
Investigators said the toddler was found covered in blood but did not suffer physical injuries.
What charges does Altidore face?
Jail records list attempted felony murder, aggravated child abuse and violation of probation. He is being held without bond.
