A 28-year-old Florida man, Jerry Dorisme, has been arrested and charged with first-degree felony murder in the death of 13-year-old Rose Thalie Dieujuste.
The incident occurred on July 4th in an apartment complex off South Rio Grande Avenue in Orlando.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina revealed chilling details during a press conference, stating that surveillance footage captured Dorisme purchasing the same kitchen knife found at the crime scene and following Dieujuste as she walked through the complex.
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“Her friend found Rose’s cell phone and shoes in the staircase in that apartment building and reached out to Rose’s family,” Mina said during the press conference. “And the family member was knocking on doors to see if they could find Rose. And then they entered the utility closet and ultimately found Rose in that closet.”
Disturbingly, Dieujuste was discovered half-naked in a utility closet, having been stabbed multiple times.
Dorisme has a prior conviction for child abuse, stemming from a 2020 arrest for lewd and lascivious molestation of a child.
Additionally, he was recently Baker Acted after an incident where he brandished a knife and assaulted deputies.
“Rose’s murder shook our community and our agency — anytime a child is murdered, we all collectively grieve,” Mina said.
Read: Severed Thumb Of Murdered Maryland Man Used To Access Cash Apps
The motive behind the alleged murder remains unclear.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at (407) 254-7000.
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