A man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the July 4 stabbing death of a 13-year-old girl, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida announced Friday.
The victim, Rose Dieujuste, was walking to a friend’s house in the complex where she lived when she was attacked, authorities said.
At a news conference Friday, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said the suspect, Jerry Dorisme, 28, faces first-degree murder charges.
“Rose’s murder has shaken our community and our agency. Any time a child is murdered, we all collectively grieve,” Mina said.
Mina said Dieujuste’s body was discovered in a utility closet, “partially naked and barely alive,” in the building by a family member.
“Her friend found Rose’s cell phone and shoes on the stairs of that building and contacted Rose’s family,” Mina said at the press conference. “And the family member knocked on doors to see if they could find Rose. Then they went into the utility closet and ultimately found Rose in that closet.”
The victim was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to Mina.
The sheriff called the attack on Dieujuste “random and senseless.”
Dorisme’s records show “several prior arrests, including for lewd and lascivious behavior and a conviction for child abuse,” Orlando ABC affiliate WFTV reported.
Dorisme did not have an attorney listed in Orange County court records.
