STUART, Fla. — A 26-year-old Venezuelan man faces attempted murder charges after allegedly attacking a woman on Tiger Shore Beach late Thursday night. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported that the suspect, Said Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez, assaulted the victim while she was on the phone with a relative.
Witnesses say the incident unfolded around 11 p.m. when the victim was enjoying a stroll along the shoreline. Authorities say Hernandez Gonzalez approached her from behind, struck her, and pushed her into the water, where he attempted to drown her. During the struggle, the victim lost consciousness.
After allegedly believing she was dead, Hernandez Gonzalez reportedly discarded the victim’s phone into the ocean and fled the scene. Once she regained consciousness, the victim managed to walk over a mile to Stuart Beach, where she located a deputy and reported the attack.
Over the next two days, investigators conducted extensive searches in the area, reviewing security footage and speaking with potential witnesses. Their efforts led them to a call from police in Port St. Lucie, who reported that a man claimed to have murdered a woman at a Martin County beach.
According to investigators, Hernandez Gonzalez later admitted to being at the beach and described how he became angry with the victim before assaulting her. He confessed to believing he had drowned her but opted to leave when he assumed she had died.
Following the alleged attack, Hernandez Gonzalez recounted his actions to authorities, stating he smoked marijuana and drank vodka before departing the beach. When pressed about whether he felt remorse for his actions, he reportedly said he felt nothing at all.
Currently, Hernandez Gonzalez is being held in the Martin County Jail, facing serious charges of attempted murder. Immigration authorities have placed a hold on him, indicating potential complications regarding his legal status in the country.
This shocking account underscores concerns about safety in public spaces, as well as ongoing discussions around immigration and public safety in Florida. The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to the attack.