Man Charged in Random Murder of Florida Woman

A 25-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder following a random stabbing that left an elderly woman dead in a Martin County, Florida, neighborhood on April 2, 2026.

The incident took place in the Southwood community of Stuart, specifically near SE Black Oak Lane. Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek described the attack as extremely violent and a random act of violence.

Suspicious Activity Preceding the Attack

Prior to the stabbing, several residents contacted 911 to report a suspicious man walking door-to-door in the area. According to Sheriff Budensiek, the man was asking residents for the location of a new bank, although there are no banks located within that specific community.

Shortly after these initial reports, authorities received additional emergency calls reporting that a woman was being stabbed in the neighborhood.

Details of the Incident

The victim was walking a small dog when she was attacked with a kitchen knife. A Good Samaritan attempted to intervene and pull the assailant off the woman but was unable to stop the attack.

A deputy, who had already been dispatched to the neighborhood due to the reports of the suspicious man, arrived at the scene and found the suspect on top of the victim.

Our suspect was on top of her, actually actively stabbing her.

Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek

The sheriff stated that when the deputy exited his vehicle and drew his firearm, the suspect threw the knife on the ground and surrendered by proning himself out on the ground.

The suspect, identified as Kersten Francilus, was immediately taken into custody.

Medical Response and Legal Status

An off-duty deputy who responded to the scene provided aid to the victim. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from significant injuries.

Kersten Francilus has been jailed on a charge of second-degree murder.