Middletown man accused of using Grindr to lure date with intent to kill in alleged planned stabbing
Prosecutors say 28-year-old Reggie Florence used the Grindr app to lure the victim, a man from Long Island, to his Sutton Hill apartment on Aug. 3 with the intent to kill.
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A Middletown man accused of a brutal dating app attack has been indicted by an Orange County grand jury and pleaded not guilty to attempted murder during his arraignment in Goshen on Thursday.
Prosecutors say 28-year-old Reggie Florence used the Grindr app to lure the victim, a man from Long Island, to his Sutton Hill apartment on Aug. 3 with the intent to kill.
According to Senior Assistant District Attorney Rich Moran, Florence had knives strategically placed around the room, a blanket under the victim for “easy cleanup” and cleaning supplies, including a brand-new bucket, mop and bleach nearby.
Investigators say while giving the victim a back massage, Florence stabbed him in the neck — then in the eye, chest and abdomen when he turned around. The victim suffered life-altering injuries, including the loss of his right eye, a collapsed lung and a near-severed spinal cord, along with numerous lacerations and puncture wounds that required surgery.
Florence was arrested after both men were taken to the hospital for treatment. He is charged with attempted murder and assault.
Video from News 12 shows Florence being led into court in handcuffs and shackles for his arraignment. He had no comment when asked by reporters if he wanted to say anything outside of court.
Florence is being held on $500,000 cash bail and is due back in court on Aug. 28.
