by Miami, FL – A 19-year-old Florida man is facing serious felony charges after police say he repeatedly stabbed a friend during an argument that erupted while the two were riding in a car following a day of fishing and a backyard cookout in Miami. Investigators allege the confrontation began after beer was spilled on a cellphone and escalated into a violent attack.
Incident Overview
Moises Mendoza, 19, has been charged with attempted second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence following a stabbing reported late Sunday night in Miami. The victim, whose name has not been released, survived the attack and was able to flag down a police officer for help despite suffering multiple stab wounds, according to a probable cause arrest affidavit.
Timeline of Events
Police say the incident occurred shortly after 10 p.m. in the area of Northwest 30th Avenue and Northwest 11th Street. An officer on patrol was approached by the victim, who was bleeding from several apparent stab wounds and seeking immediate assistance.
According to the victim, he and Mendoza had spent the day fishing with friends before returning to a residence to cook the fish they had caught. While socializing, the victim was reportedly holding Mendoza’s phone to change the music when he accidentally spilled beer on the device.
Argument Escalates
The affidavit states that Mendoza accused the victim of intentionally spilling the beer, leading to a heated argument. As tensions rose, another individual offered to drive the victim home, and Mendoza joined them in the vehicle.
During the drive, the argument continued. Police say the dispute intensified after the victim threw beer in Mendoza’s direction. At that point, Mendoza allegedly pulled out a kitchen knife with a red handle and stabbed the victim multiple times while they were still inside the car.
Victim Escapes and Seeks Help
Despite his injuries, the victim managed to exit the vehicle and ran to a nearby officer for help. Emergency responders were notified, and the victim was transported for medical treatment. Authorities did not immediately release details about the extent of his injuries, but police confirmed they were serious enough to support attempted murder charges.
Police Investigation
Using street surveillance cameras, officers were able to identify the vehicle involved and track it to a nearby apartment complex. When they located the car, police reported finding blood in the passenger seat and on the rear passenger-side floor, consistent with the victim’s account.
The owner of the vehicle told investigators that after the stabbing, he dropped Mendoza off at his residence. The vehicle owner also allegedly told police he saw Mendoza discard the knife and the shirt he was wearing into a garbage can.
Arrest and Charges
Officers then went to Mendoza’s home, where he allegedly admitted to stabbing the victim, according to the affidavit. He was taken into custody and booked into the Miami-Dade County jail, where he remains held without bond.
Mendoza has since entered a not guilty plea to the charges of attempted second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. Additional details from the arrest affidavit were previously reported by Law&Crime, which outlined the sequence of events leading up to the stabbing.
Legal and Public Safety Context
Under Florida law, attempted second-degree murder is a first-degree felony that can carry a lengthy prison sentence if a defendant is convicted. Prosecutors must show that the accused committed an act that could have resulted in death and demonstrated a depraved mind without regard for human life.
Law enforcement officials say the case underscores how quickly minor disputes can escalate into life-threatening violence, especially when alcohol is involved. Police continue to urge residents to resolve conflicts without violence and to remove themselves from situations that appear to be escalating.
Conclusion
Mendoza remains in custody as the case moves through the court system, while the victim continues to recover from his injuries. Investigators say what began as a casual outing among friends ended in serious criminal charges and lasting consequences for everyone involved.
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