A woman who recently became a mother was severely injured in a violent machete attack by her brother, who allegedly shouted, “why aren’t you dead yet?” during the incident. Ruben Altidore is accused of inflicting a four-inch gash on his sister’s right hand, nearly severing multiple fingers, in the assault that occurred in the early hours of Monday.
The 36-year-old suspect was apprehended later the same day in Margate, a town located approximately 40 miles north of Miami, Florida. He was brought before court on Tuesday, facing charges of attempted felony murder, aggravated child abuse, and a probation violation.
According to reports from Florida news outlet WPLG, Altidore was vocal during the machete attack. The victim managed to flee her residence and sought help from a neighbor named Luis Pereria, who described how she ran to him for assistance.
Security footage from a doorbell camera captured the victim ringing her neighbor’s doorbell before collapsing on the ground. Despite the mother sustaining severe injuries, her one-year-old child emerged unscathed but covered in blood.
Police discovered blood inside the residence and traces on a machete sheath following their investigation. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Altidore is currently in custody at Broward County Main Jail as legal proceedings progress.