Teen murdered in Brickell high-rise was stabbed to death as he slept, Miami police say
A teen who was murdered over the weekend at a Brickell luxury high-rise was stabbed to death as he slept, according to new information released by Miami police.
Sunday morning, around 2 a.m., officers were sent to the Icon Brickell complex, at 485 Brickell Avenue, after police received reports of a stabbing. In an apartment on the 34th floor, they found the body of 17-year-old Dominic Ferrell.
Brickell stabbing suspect fell or jumped to his death
Investigators reviewed surveillance video, which showed one man running away from the building, according to police. SWAT officers searched a nearby building still under construction and found the suspect dead. He's been identified as 26-year-old Kyrill R. Kehl.
"The suspect leaves the apartment building and goes across the street to a construction site and goes at least 100 to 200 feet and then jumps or falls to his death," Miami Police Officer Michael Vega said.
What led to the fatal Brickell stabbing
According to police, Kehl loitered in the lobby for a while before getting on an elevator.
"We know the suspect was in the lobby for a bit before some residents went on the elevator. He tagged along with them and went up to the 40-something floor and knocked on several doors and tried to open the doors. He eventually goes down to the 34th floor. He goes to the victim's apartment and he opens the door because it was not locked. He then goes to the bedroom where the 17-year-old is sleeping and stabs him to death," Vega said.
Investigators said another person was also asleep in the apartment where Ferrell was killed.
Who was the stabbing suspect?
According to police, Kehl arrived in South Florida from Arizona two days before the stabbing. He was not staying at the Brickell complex. Investigators are trying to piece together what led to the stabbing.
"We know there may have been some mental health issues probably leading to this but until we get toxicology results we will not know what was in his system," Vega said.
He added that Kehl and Ferrell were strangers.
"We know for a fact that they did not know each other. They were strangers and this guy was just going from apartment to apartment, opening and knocking on doors, so again it is very important to lock your doors and do not open them to strangers," Vega said.
Troubled by latest report
People living or staying at the Brickell Icon Center told CBS News Miami that they were troubled by the latest report from Miami police.
"We should learn a lesson from this. We can't get comfortable. We have to learn from this story that we should keep our doors locked. There have been problems with people who are mentally ill," Lorina said.
Her friend Alda added, "I have no words. I am shocked. It opens up my eyes to be careful and make sure everything is closed."
Another woman named Rena said, "This is very scary. Right now, I am scared."
Michael, who said he lived in the building, said, "I think this can not be happening in Miami."
Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School releases statement
On the death of Ferrell, Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School released the following statement:
"Today, our Panther family mourns the loss of a beloved alum. We are united in prayer and remembrance for Dominic and the entire Ferrell family during this difficult time.
As a proud member of our Catholic school and Panther community, he will always be remembered for his spirit, faith, and love that touched so many.
May the angels lead him into paradise, and may our prayers bring comfort and peace to the Ferrell family.🕊️🙏."
