A shocking act of family violence has shaken the South Florida community after a Margate man was accused of attempting to kill his own sister with a machete while she slept beside her 1-year-old daughter. Authorities say the woman survived the brutal attack despite suffering severe injuries, while the toddler escaped unharmed. The case has drawn widespread attention because of its disturbing nature and serves as another reminder that domestic violence can erupt unexpectedly, placing entire families—including young children—in grave danger. Police continue to investigate what motivated the attack as the suspect remains jailed without bond.
MARGATE, Fla. (Le Floridien) — A 36-year-old South Florida man is facing attempted murder charges after authorities say he brutally attacked his sister with a machete while she slept beside her 1-year-old daughter inside their Margate home.
According to Margate Police, Ruben Altidore, 36, allegedly entered his sister’s bedroom early Monday morning and repeatedly struck her with a machete in what investigators describe as an attempt to kill her. During the attack, he allegedly shouted, “Oh my God, why aren’t you dead yet?”
Despite suffering devastating injuries, the woman managed to escape the home and ran to a nearby neighbor for help while screaming, “My brother is trying to kill me!”
Police said the victim sustained multiple severe injuries, including a nearly 10-inch wound to her thigh that reached the bone, deep cuts to both hands and injuries that may require the amputation of several fingers.
Her 1-year-old daughter, who had been sleeping next to her mother during the attack, was found covered in blood but was not physically injured, according to investigators.
Altidore was arrested Monday and charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and violation of probation. He is being held without bond at the Broward County Main Jail.
Evidence and Witnesses Support the Investigation
Investigators found a large amount of blood throughout the home, including inside the victim’s bedroom, hallway, bathroom and outside the residence. A machete sheath was recovered in the kitchen, while a machete believed to have been used in the attack was found hidden beneath a bed with what appeared to be bloodstains.
Neighbors told investigators they heard the victim screaming before she ran into the street seeking help. One witness described the attack as shocking, saying he could not understand how someone could commit such violence against a family member.
Authorities said a relative also identified Altidore as the alleged attacker. Investigators have not announced a motive, and the case remains under investigation.
Violence Affects Families Across Every Community
While police have not disclosed the family’s background or what led to the attack, the incident is another reminder that domestic and family violence can affect households across all communities, including South Florida’s diverse Caribbean population.
Community advocates continue to encourage victims of domestic violence or individuals facing threats from relatives or household members to seek help before conflicts escalate into tragedy.
Police say additional information may be released as the investigation continues.
