Florida Teen Charged After Allegedly Stabbing Friend Over Beer Spilled on Phone During Post-Fishing Cookout, Police Say
MIAMI, FLORIDA — A 19-year-old Florida man is behind bars after police say he repeatedly stabbed a friend during an argument that erupted over beer spilled on a cellphone while the group was cooking fish they had caught earlier in the day.
Victim Flagged Down Officer With Multiple Stab Wounds
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, officers encountered the wounded victim shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday near NW 30th Avenue and NW 11th Street. The victim, suffering from multiple stab wounds, flagged down an officer for help, police said.
The victim told officers he had been stabbed inside a vehicle by Moises Mendoza, 19.
Argument Started After Fishing Trip and Cookout
The victim said he, Mendoza, and others spent the day fishing before returning to a home to cook the fish they caught. While there, the victim was holding Mendoza’s phone to change the music when he accidentally spilled beer on it.
Police say Mendoza accused the victim of “intentionally” spilling the beer, and an argument followed.
Fight Continued Inside Car, Police Say
According to the affidavit, another person offered to drive the victim home, and Mendoza got into the car as well. During the drive, the argument continued.
Investigators said the victim then threw beer in Mendoza’s direction, escalating the confrontation. At that point, Mendoza allegedly pulled out a kitchen knife with a red handle and stabbed the victim multiple times.
The victim managed to get out of the vehicle and run to a nearby officer for assistance.
Blood Found in Vehicle, Knife Allegedly Discarded
Using street camera footage, officers identified the vehicle involved and tracked it to a nearby apartment complex. Police said they found blood on the passenger seat and rear passenger floorboard.
The vehicle’s owner allegedly told officers that after the stabbing, he dropped Mendoza off at his home and watched as Mendoza threw the knife and the shirt he was wearing into a garbage can.
Suspect Admitted Stabbing, Police Say
Officers later went to Mendoza’s residence, where he allegedly admitted to stabbing the victim.
Mendoza was arrested and booked into the Miami-Dade County Jail, where he remains held without bond.
Facing Attempted Murder Charge
Mendoza has been charged with attempted second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. Court records show he has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The victim’s current condition was not released.
Case Highlights Escalation of Alcohol-Fueled Disputes
Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the confrontation beyond the affidavit, but the case underscores how minor disputes involving alcohol can quickly turn violent.
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