Illegal Immigrant Charged with Attempted Murder After Alleged Beach Attack

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An illegal immigrant from Venezuela has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly attacking and trying to drown a woman walking on a Florida beach. According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office, 26-year-old Said Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez struck the victim, pushed her into the water, and tried to drown her. When he believed she was dead, he threw her phone into the ocean and left the scene, later telling police he felt no remorse.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and violence involving undocumented immigrants in Florida. The alleged actions of the suspect, including the apparent lack of remorse, have raised alarm in the local community.

The details

Authorities say the incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Thursday night into early Friday morning. The victim was walking along Tiger Shore Beach and talking on the phone with a relative when Hernandez Gonzalez allegedly came up behind her, struck her, pushed her into the water, and tried to drown her. The victim lost consciousness during the struggle. When Hernandez Gonzalez believed she was dead, he threw her phone into the ocean and left. The victim later regained consciousness and walked over a mile to Stuart Beach to find a deputy.

• The incident occurred around 11 p.m. Thursday night into early Friday morning.
• On Sunday night, police from Port St. Lucie called deputies and told them that they had responded to a call involving a suicidal man who claimed he murdered a woman on a Martin County beach.

What’s next

Hernandez Gonzalez is being held at the Martin County Jail, and immigration authorities have placed an ICE detainer on him.