Florida – In a harrowing incident in Florida, a woman was critically injured after her 57-year-old mother-in-law, identified as C. Ward, stabbed her multiple times during an alcohol-fueled argument in front of her young children. Ward was arrested and taken into custody on an attempted murder charge following the violent confrontation that unfolded inside the family’s home.
According to reports, the incident occurred earlier this week, on Wednesday afternoon, when officers with the police department responded to a call reporting a violent altercation at a residence. When police arrived at the home shortly before 4 p.m., they were met at the door by Ward. According to the arrest affidavit, as soon as officers entered the home, they discovered the victim lying on the floor in a pool of blood, propped against a cot bed in the living room. The woman, whose identity has not been publicly released, had sustained multiple stab wounds and was in critical condition. Emergency crews airlifted her to the hospital for urgent treatment. Meanwhile, the victim’s children, who had been inside the home during the attack, were removed from the scene and placed in the care of the Florida Department of Children and Families.
In interviews with responding officers, one of the victim’s daughters provided a chilling account of what unfolded. She explained that her parents had been arguing earlier in the day, and after her father left the house, her mother and grandmother began fighting. The argument escalated, and according to the young girl, her grandmother retrieved a knife and attacked her mother. “Grandma started to kill mommy with the knife,” the child told officers, pointing them toward the room where the weapon had been hidden under a bed.
Later at the hospital, detectives spoke with the victim, who confirmed that she and Ward had gone out earlier in the day to a local restaurant, where they both consumed alcoholic beverages. She recalled that after returning home, a verbal altercation began, although she could not remember what sparked the argument. She did, however, remember Ward charging at her. The victim stated she tried to defend herself but was attacked a second time when Ward came at her again—this time stabbing her repeatedly.
Following her arrest, Ward provided a recorded statement to police. She claimed that the incident was an act of self-defense and accused her son’s wife of punching her in the face during the confrontation. However, investigators noted that Ward had no visible injuries consistent with her version of events, casting doubt on her claim of self-defense. Authorities charged Ward with attempted murder and transported her to the correctional center. She is currently being held without bond, and her initial court appearance is pending.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers of domestic disputes, particularly those intensified by alcohol and unresolved tensions. The fact that the children witnessed the attack adds another tragic dimension to the already traumatic event. The victim’s condition remains serious, but her survival is considered a positive sign, given the severity of her injuries. Law enforcement officials say they are working closely with prosecutors to pursue justice in the case, while the Department of Children and Families continues to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved. As the legal process unfolds, the family is left to deal with the emotional aftermath of a situation that turned violent in a matter of moments—changing their lives forever.
