The family of a nine-year-old stabbing victim claim St.Cloud police have killed the wrong man after he was seen covered in blood.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, 21-year-old Jah’Sean Hodge was shot and killed by Officer Devin Dunn after a scuffle when Hodge was seen covered in blood and “running erratically.” The incident occurred after nine-year-old Jadalee was stabbed in the neck and face in an apartment on Georgia Avenue. Initially, St.Cloud Police Chief Pete Gauntlett told local media Wednesday that Hodge was responsible for the stabbing.
The girl’s mother, Veronica Snyder, said Hodge was Jadalee’s uncle and he was actually protecting her from an unidentified intruder.
“He saved his niece’s life. He’s a hero,”
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A witness who called 911 said Hodge tried to flag down their vehicle while he was covered in blood and appeared to be severely injured. Gauntlett said there are two pending investigations surrounding the stabbing and shooting. Officer Dunn is currently on administrative leave for shooting Hodge.
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“It’s our understanding preliminarily that the suspect in this case was responsible for the stabbing. We have yet to confirm all the details.”
The family is seeking justice for Jadalee and Jah’Sean.