Miami Standard (North Miami Beach, FL) – A 32-year-old man has been charged with a hate crime after allegedly stabbing a transgender woman in her residence in North Miami Beach, as reported by law enforcement officials.

Authorities took Joseph Lawrence White into custody on three felony counts on Wednesday related to the incident that occurred on February 10.

Police report that the victim is in a relationship with the suspect’s brother and has had a long-standing acquaintance with White, having lived together at one time. An arrest report indicates that the two individuals “have never liked each other due to the victim’s sexual orientation.”

A recent report reveals that White, along with his brother and mother, had just relocated to south Miami-Dade a few weeks before the incident. However, they returned to the 2100 block of Northeast 167th Street to retrieve a speaker.

When they were unable to locate it, authorities reported that a heated exchange ensued, during which White referred to the victim using a derogatory term.

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“The victim replied back that (White) was the ‘f—-t,’” police wrote in the report.

According to authorities, this resulted in White striking the victim in the face. The report reveals that as she attempted to protect herself with a skillet, White managed to seize it from her and subsequently stabbed her in the chest using a pair of scissors.

Officials reported that the woman used a broom for self-defence, prompting White to hurl a candle at her.

Authorities reported that as White made his escape, the victim attempted to pursue him but was weakened from blood loss. She was ultimately transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital.

According to the report, deputies from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office took White into custody in a separate matter on Thursday, after which he was transported to the North Miami Beach police headquarters for interrogation.

Authorities reported that he declined to engage with investigators. He was taken into custody facing serious allegations including attempted murder, aggravated assault with the intent to commit a felony, and battery with prejudice.

As of Thursday, he remains in custody without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Centre, according to jail records.