A Florida woman has been arrested on charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault after allegedly attempting to kill her daughter’s partner during a violent confrontation in a Pinellas park on Feb. 23. Sandra Kegley, 54, is facing attempted murder charges after police say she attacked her daughter Kirsten Bleitler’s 23-year-old boyfriend, Eric Smith, with a deadly weapon.
According to the Pinellas Park Police Department (PPPD), officers responded to a call around 4:30 that afternoon and found both Smith and Bleitler suffering from various stab wounds and lacerations. Bleitler reportedly tried to intervene during the attack, resulting in injuries to herself. Fortunately, both victims were treated for non-life-threatening wounds and taken to a local hospital for care.
Kegley reportedly told authorities that he had attacked Smith in an attempt to “free” him from what he described as a “simulation”, expressing his belief that life is an “illusion”. This statement was reportedly made to investigators, according to arrest records obtained by WFLA.
Kegley is currently being held in the Pinellas County Jail on a $500,000 bond as she awaits further legal proceedings. The disturbing incident has raised questions about the mental state of the accused and authorities are continuing their investigation.
Family members and the community are still processing the shocking nature of the attack, and many are grappling with the aftermath of the violent altercation. Although the situation remains under investigation, both victims are expected to recover from their injuries.