Expand / Collapse search
☰

Homeless man arrested for deadly stabbing of woman at Winter Haven construction site: Police

By and FOX 13 News Staff
Published  August 14, 2024 11:33am EDT
Winter Haven
FOX 13 News

Man charged with stabbing woman to death

Carla Bayron reports

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A man was arrested in the deadly stabbing of a woman at a construction site in Winter Haven in late July, according to police.

According to the Winter Haven Police Department, Kenneth Lawrence Foresyth Jr., 21, was charged with second-degree murder, among other charges, and booked into the Polk County Jail in connection with the stabbing.

READ: Winter Haven police continue to search for suspect in deadly stabbing

On July 26, officers responded to a construction site near the old Banyon Beach Motel at 1630 6th St NW regarding a stabbing. A witness told investigators with WHPD that the victim, later identified as Angel Snell, 26, was arguing with Foresyth, a homeless man, when he stabbed her.

First responders tried to save Snell's life and EMS took her to the hospital where she died. Detectives obtained video footage from the night of the incident that linked Foresyth to the crime.

Photo courtesy: Winter Haven Police Department

When confronted with footage of himself running away from the construction site, Foresyth told investigators he got a pebble inside his shoe, causing him to run.

While interviewing Foresyth, investigators discovered that he had been inside the shipping container where the murder happened on that same night.

He had started a small fire outside the container when a fight occurred, resulting in Foresyth stabbing Snell multiple times. He immediately took off, police said, ultimately disposing of the knife and clothes he was wearing. 

The witness reported hearing Snell yell that she had been stabbed and immediately running to her aid. He carried her to Inman Park where someone let him use their phone to call 911.

READ: Polk County man stabbed roommate over argument on who spent the most on fueling their car: PCSO

"The relentless determination and dedication to find the killer of Miss. Snell is a testament to the heart of our detectives and all the members of the Winter Haven Police Department," said Chief David Brannan. "Detectives worked tirelessly around the clock ensuring there was no stone unturned to make a solid arrest."

Detectives say Foresyth admitted to never calling 911 afterwards to get Snell help, nor did he see her with a weapon during the altercation.

He's being held without bond in the Polk County Jail.

Cherie Smith, Snell's mother, confirms her daughter was experiencing partial homelessness at the time but wasn't living at the construction property. She leaves behind a 5-year-old daughter who is now Smith's number one priority.

"He took half my heart," said Smith. "Justice for that baby because she is going to be without a mom."

Snell's family will be having a candlelight vigil for her this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Lake Silver in Winter Haven.

WATCH FOX 13 NEWS:

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: