Butter knife held to girl's neck by mother who used it to unlock bedroom door because she was taking too long for school, police say

A 48-year-old Florida mother was arrested in Homestead after allegedly holding a butter knife to her daughter's neck during an argument over getting ready for school, according to an arrest affidavit from the Homestead Police Department.

Authorities identified the suspect as Estela Torres-Henriquez. The alleged incident occurred at a residence located in the 500 block of SW 3rd Street in Homestead, a municipality situated within Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Incident Overview

According to a probable cause arrest affidavit obtained from authorities, the victim was inside her locked bedroom preparing for the school day when the incident occurred. Investigators reported that Estela Torres-Henriquez grew angry because she believed her daughter was taking too long to get ready and was going to be late for school. Allegedly seeking entry into the locked room, Torres-Henriquez used a plain butter knife to manipulate the lock on the bedroom door.

Once inside the room, Torres-Henriquez allegedly began shouting at her daughter regarding her timeliness. Police reported that the mother began waving the butter knife near the student's face before pressing the edge of the utensil against the side of the girl's neck. The victim later informed officers that the encounter left her in immediate fear for her life.

Suspect Information

Estela Torres-Henriquez, age 48, resides in Homestead, Florida. Public records indicate she was taken into custody following an interview with law enforcement and child welfare officials. Court and arrest records show no prior criminal history detailed in the initial release, and she remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Victim Information

The primary victim in the case is the suspect's juvenile daughter, a student enrolled at South Dade Senior High School. In accordance with newsroom standards and state privacy regulations regarding minor victims of alleged domestic assault, her identity is not being released. Police records note that the victim's sister was also present in the home during or around the time of the dispute and expressed concern to officers that she might also face threats from their mother.

Police Response

The situation came to the attention of law enforcement after the juvenile victim arrived at South Dade Senior High School and disclosed the morning incident to school officials and law enforcement personnel on campus. Officers from the Homestead Police Department initiated contact with the student and launched an immediate response. Officers subsequently interviewed the victim's sister at the school, who corroborated the victim's narrative of the event and detailed her own safety concerns.

Investigation

The investigation was conducted by the Homestead Police Department in coordination with representatives from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Authorities arranged a joint interview at the Homestead Police Department headquarters, where investigators met with Torres-Henriquez. Before questioning began, officers advised Torres-Henriquez of her constitutional rights under the Miranda warning standard. During the interview, Torres-Henriquez admitted to using a butter knife to open the locked bedroom door because her daughter was taking too long for school. However, she denied waving the utensil at her daughter's face or placing it against the girl's neck.

Evidence Collected

• A butter knife identified as the tool used to unlock the victim's bedroom door and allegedly brandished during the confrontation.
• Statements from the minor victim detailed in a probable cause arrest affidavit.
• Corroborating witness statements provided by the victim's sister to law enforcement officers.
• Formal interview records and post-Miranda statements taken by investigating officers and Florida Department of Children and Families personnel.

Arrest Details

Following the joint interview at the police station, officers placed Estela Torres-Henriquez under formal arrest. She was transported to the Miami-Dade Corrections department and booked into the Miami-Dade Jail. Records show her bond was set at $5,000 following her initial processing.

Charges Filed

Estela Torres-Henriquez faces the following formal charge:

• Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon: Under Florida law, battery occurs when a person intentionally strikes or touches another person against their will. Under Florida Statutes Section 784.045, the offense is elevated to aggravated battery if the accused uses a deadly weapon. A deadly weapon is defined as any object used in a manner likely to cause severe bodily harm or death. Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon is a second-degree felony in Florida, carrying potential penalties of up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and fines of up to $10,000 upon conviction.

Court Information

The case is pending in the Miami-Dade County court system, under the jurisdiction of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. Estela Torres-Henriquez was booked into the Miami-Dade Jail facility on a $5,000 bond. Specific case docket numbers and subsequent court appearance dates were not made available in initial law enforcement releases.

Statements from Authorities

In official court documents, investigating officers from the Homestead Police Department noted that the victim specifically told police she was in fear of her life during the altercation. The victim's sister told officers that she was concerned their mother was also going to threaten her, according to the arrest affidavit.

Public Safety Information

Incidents involving alleged domestic altercations, child abuse, or family safety concerns can be reported to law enforcement or child welfare authorities. Members of the public who suspect child abuse or neglect in Florida can contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) or call local police. For national assistance with domestic violence situations, individuals can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for free, confidential support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In immediate emergencies, dial 911.

What Happens Next

Following an arrest in Miami-Dade County, an accused individual undergoes an initial court appearance within 24 hours of booking. During this hearing, a judge reviews the arrest affidavit to establish probable cause, sets or reviews bond conditions, and advises the defendant of their constitutional rights. Prosecutors with the State Attorney's Office then evaluate the law enforcement affidavit to decide whether to file formal charges. If charges proceed, an arraignment is scheduled for the defendant to enter a plea. Pre-trial hearings, discovery, and trial proceedings follow if the case is not resolved through dismissal or a plea agreement.