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The 9-year-old girl was stabbed in St. Cloud on May 5.
St. Cloud police said there was no other individual involved in the stabbing of a 9-year girl on May 5, and that the man who was shot and killed by an officer was the sole individual responsible.
Upon a comprehensive investigation into the incident, St. Cloud Police Department officials said after taking conclusive and detailed statements from the victim, the victim’s family, witnesses from the scene, as well as extensive forensic evidence, Jahsean Iandie Hodge, 21, was identified as the sole individual responsible for the attack.
According to a police department press release, there was no evidence to suggest that a third party individual was involved, therefore ending any speculation of another suspect still on the loose.
“We finally got answers, and I have a lot to accept; but I just want to say the St. Cloud Police Department did their job. Let’s just not make this any worse than it is..” the mother of the victim said in the press release.
At about 12:45 p.m. on May 5, two 911 calls were made to the St. Cloud Police Department about the violent attack and stabbing of the 9-year-old victim in the area of Lakeshore Boulevard and Georgia Avenue, said Police Chief Pete Gauntlett.
When officers arrived on scene, a witness reported seeing a suspect, later identified as Hodge, acting very erratically running on foot with visible wounds. He had run through several backyards and burglarized an RV.
At 12:50 p.m., police made contact with the suspect matching the description of the man. A confrontation then ensued with one of the officers.
Officer Devin Dunn then shot Hodge. He has been employed with the St. Cloud Police Department since Dec. 12, 2019.
Paramedics were called to work on Hodge, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation revealed that the young victim was driven to St. Cloud Medical Center and then transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando in critical condition. She suffered multiple fractures to her face and stab wounds to her upper body and face, Gauntlett said.
“The entire family has been traumatized by this tragic incident and the St. Cloud Police Department is working to assist the victim and the family through this most challenging time,” the police department press release stated.
While the 9-year-old victim continues to recover from her injuries and mental trauma, the family is requesting everyone to respect their privacy.
This case is still an active and ongoing pending additional forensic analysis. Upon completion, it will be sent to Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis D. Ayala for her review.
