New York Man Accused of Stabbing Grindr Date During Massage, Victim Loses Eye

Reggie Florence, 28, convinced a man to drive from Long Island to Middletown, New York, and allegedly stabbed him

A New York man has been charged after allegedly luring a Grindr date to his home for a massage and launching a violent knife attack that left the victim critically injured and missing an eye.

Reggie Florence, 28, is accused of convincing the victim to drive from Long Island to his residence in Middletown on August 3 after the two met on the dating app. Once inside the home, Florence offered the man a massage and instructed him to lie on the floor. According to prosecutors, he began the massage normally before pulling out a hidden kitchen knife and stabbing the victim multiple times in the back of the neck.

The victim managed to fight back, rolling over and grabbing Florence, but prosecutors say Florence continued stabbing him in the eyes and torso. A neighbor who witnessed part of the attack reportedly called police, who arrived to find Florence standing over the victim while holding the knife.

Florence was charged with attempted murder, assault with intention to cause serious injury, and assault with intent to cause disfigurement

The victim was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, including a punctured lung and the loss of one eye. Florence sustained minor injuries during the struggle.

Inside the residence, investigators discovered 12 knives strategically hidden throughout the house and cleaning supplies, including a mop, bucket, and bleach, located near the scene of the stabbing.

Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler described the survival of the victim as “a miracle” and said his office intends to hold Florence fully accountable.

Florence has been charged with attempted murder, assault with intent to cause serious injury, and assault with intent to cause disfigurement. He pleaded not guilty and is being held at the Orange County Jail on $500,000 cash bail pending his next court appearance on August 28.