Incident Overview

A Florida construction worker who fatally stabbed his Trump-supporting employer during a political argument won a not guilty verdict due to insanity. On February 7, 2025, a judge acquitted the 34-year-old man of murdering his 28-year-old boss and longtime friend, ruling he was mentally unstable during the January 20, 2020 attack.

Outcome and Mental Health Treatment

The court spared the worker prison and ordered his admission to a secure psychiatric facility. His next evaluation is set for August 11, 2025, to monitor his treatment progress.

Details of the Attack

The attack happened near a Florida highway as the two men, with opposing political views, drove to a job site. The boss openly supported Donald Trump, while the worker held strong anti-government beliefs and paranoia. During their argument, the worker attacked his employer with a construction trowel. Coworkers heard screams, rushed over, and found the boss dead, with the accused waving the weapon and shouting about terrorism. They also saw a blood-stained American flag near the body.

Aftermath and Arrest

The worker fled in a truck but police arrested him later that day in a neighboring county. The victim’s mother had warned her son not to hire the man, citing his erratic behavior, and insisted mental illness, not politics, drove the killing.

Background of the Individuals

Despite their clashing ideologies, the two had been friends since childhood. Coworkers and family called the victim a patriotic, generous Trump supporter. The affidavit described the worker as deeply anti-government and gripped by conspiracy theories.

Community Impact

Deputies arrived around 10:30 AM after emergency calls reported the death along the highway. The killing shocked the victim’s loved ones, who recalled the killer as a caring school friend of their son.