A 22-year-old Ocala woman was arrested on a felony battery charge after she allegedly stabbed her boyfriend with a steak knife during an argument that turned physical.
On Tuesday, August 27, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to a local residence after receiving reports of a domestic altercation. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the male victim who advised that his girlfriend, Leila Maria Musante, had attempted to stab him with a steak knife, according to the arrest report.
While speaking with the deputy, the report stated that the victim was “extremely emotional.” The victim also alleged that Musante had battered him in the past.
In the report, the deputy noted that a small puncture wound was visible on the victim’s right hand, and a small cut on his right forearm was bleeding. The victim declined any medical attention.
The deputy made contact with Musante and observed blood on her shirt, which she initially claimed was from when the victim allegedly slammed her head into the wall. The report stated that Musante did not appear to have any bump, bruise, abrasion, or cut on her head.
Musante allegedly admitted to “using the knife” during the incident with the victim, though she claimed it was for self-defense. Due to the victim’s injuries, along with Musante’s lack of injuries, the blood on her shirt, and her alleged spontaneous admission regarding the knife, she was placed under arrest and transported to Marion County Jail.
During a post-Miranda interview that was conducted at the jail, Musante claimed that she did not stab the victim with a knife.
Musante is currently being held without bond at Marion County Jail. She is being charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
A court date has not been scheduled yet, according to jail records.