A man who allegedly stabbed his estranged girlfriend “up to 70 times” died in a crash while fleeing from officers, police said. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office reported. The tragic events unfolded early Friday morning when officers responded to a call about two stabbing victims at a home in Chuluota, Florida.
According Sheriff Dennis LemmaKristin Stevens, 40, was found dead at the scene with “up to 70” stab wounds from what appeared to be a kitchen knife. The second victim, an unidentified man, told authorities that the suspect, James Christopher Lindsey, 42, had broken into the home by breaking a glass window with a hammer.
The man attempted to intervene and stop the attack on Stevens, but was stabbed in the upper leg during the struggle. Lindsey fled the scene before officers arrived. Later that morning, at approximately 5 a.m., Lindsey was found dead after crashing his car while trying to evade police in the Orange County area, according to WFLA.
The deputies reported that he lost control of his car while driving at speeds in excess of 100 mph and was ejected from the vehicle. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. Lindsey and Stevens were reportedly in a “common-law relationship” and had a history of domestic violence incidents dating back to 2014, involving prior police interventions.
Sheriff Lemma described the incident as “heartbreaking” and expressed his condolences for those affected. “This is a heartbreaking and traumatic incident that will have a lasting impact on families and the community,” he said. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
The details of the violent confrontation and the subsequent crash have left the community in shock, with the loss of two lives in just a few hours. The investigation into the stabbing and high-speed crash continues.