Davie, Fla. – Three Florida teenagers have been arrested for their roles in a violent attack that left a woman severely beaten, pistol-whipped, and shot at outside her home. The shocking assault occurred after the victim was lured by a social media message into a trap by her attackers.
Attackers Tricked Victim with Fake Invitation
Nawrkin Nawlyn Rivas De Los Santos, 19, Lyrick Garcia, 19, and Valerie Lisette Gonzalez, 19, have all been charged in the June 22 attack. According to the Davie Police Department, the victim, who had been messaged by someone on Instagram, believed she was meeting the person for food.
However, upon leaving her residence, the victim encountered two men, one wearing a hoodie and ski mask, who immediately punched her in the face.
“The victim was struck in the mouth and face, causing injuries to her lip, face, and neck,” police said.
Pistol-Whipped and Filmed During Beating
The violence escalated when Gonzalez, also in a hoodie and ski mask, emerged from the back of the vehicle. She allegedly confronted the victim with a statement about her “dead boyfriend” and pistol-whipped her repeatedly.
One of the co-defendants described the incident as a “pistol-whipping” attack, while the victim later said Gonzalez appeared to be filming the assault.
“[Gonzalez] also appeared to be filming the incident with a cellular telephone due to the flash being visibly turned on,” according to the warrant.
Shot Fired at Victim as She Fled
As the victim tried to flee for her life, Gonzalez allegedly fired a shot at her, though Rivas De Los Santos later cast doubt on whether the bullet was aimed at the victim. He claimed Gonzalez fired the shot at the ground as the victim ran.
Despite this, the victim said she recognized Gonzalez’s voice and later identified her in Instagram messages, where Gonzalez allegedly said, “I intended to kill [the victim] by shooting at her.”
Investigation and Arrests
The investigation led authorities to the trio, who were arrested and booked into the Broward Main Jail without bond. All three face attempted murder and aggravated battery charges.
Police are also investigating whether the attack was motivated by an ongoing feud involving Gonzalez’s deceased boyfriend.
Conclusion
This surprise attack has shocked the Florida community, as the victim was lured into the assault under the guise of a simple meeting. Authorities continue to investigate the case, which has brought attention to the dangerous potential of social media feuds escalating into real-world violence.
What do you think about how social media may have contributed to this violent act? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
