Homosassa woman charged with stabbing victim with screwdriver
Citrus County, Florida - Early Thursday morning, November 2, 2023, Citrus County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a Homosassa residence in regard to a domestic violence incident.
Deputies arrived at the residence to find the victim lying on the the floor inside the home, near the front door, with an apparent stab wound to the torso area. Deputies determined that 33 year-old Stephanie Rankin, of Homosassa, had used a screwdriver to stab the victim, numerous times.
The victim was transported to a medical facility for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Rankin was arrested, charged with aggravated battery using a deadly weapon. She was booked into the Citrus County Detention Facility in Lecanto, Florida with her bond set at none, due to the incident being a domestic violence situation.
"Today's incident could have turned fatal," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "We have spent countless hours in the past month, educating everyone who would listen, on the signs of domestic violence. This is an ongoing battle that we will continue to stand firm and fight, in hopes of ending the cycle of violence."
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office Behavioral Health Unit can help victims of domestic violence. If you are, or someone you know is experiencing of domestic abuse, please call 352-249-2790 to file a report. If you would like to speak with a domestic violence advocate, you can also contact the Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (CASA) at 352-344-8111.