The family of the woman seriously injured in that random chainsaw attack in Lantana is speaking out, saying they want to put a stop to random violence like this.
“People like that should not be roaming the streets,” said Marvin Dozier, Marie Geffrard’s son-in-law.
Dozier showed us the gruesome pictures of his mother in law’s partially severed hand. He told us doctors where able to save her hand.
He said she was also struck in the chest and now has multiple stitches and staples.
Dozier said his mother-in-law has been living in Lantana for more than 20 years. He said she was out exercising when she was attacked.
"That is a great woman, an awesome woman and his type of violence should not happen to anyone.”
Her family says they will push for changes, working with politicians and law enforcement to stop this type of violence.
20-year-old Juan Carlos Cabrera is the confessed attacker, a tree trimmer by trade. According to the police report, he admitted to police he has a history of mental illness.
He told police he had been baker acted at least once and claims on the morning of the attack he had a “mental breakdown.”
“We have no idea what happened we’re very we don’t even know if its my brother I don’t even know,” said woman who identified herself as Cabrera’s older sister when we visited his last known address.
When we asked her if he showed signs of any mental health issues, she said, “I cannot respond to any information right now. We are very hurt so I’m sorry this is enough.”
Police say the only reason Cabrera did not kill his intended victim is that the chainsaw jammed during the attack.
Cabrera also faces drug charges as they were found in his room at the Super 8 Motel.
He is also charged with attacking a Lantana Police officer while being questioned.
