A domestic dispute turned deadly in Lake City on Friday night when a 43-year-old man allegedly stabbed his landlady multiple times during an argument, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
The suspect, identified as Ernest Wade Pearce (43), who resided at the home, was apprehended after a brief manhunt in the woods near the residence.
Fatal Altercation
The incident occurred at approximately 9:10 PM at a home on 144 SE Bunny Court. Deputies arrived to find the victim, homeowner Kyra Lou Hurley (57), suffering from multiple stab wounds. Another roommate was attempting life-saving measures on the victim.
According to eyewitnesses inside the home, Pearce, one of several roommates renting rooms from Hurley, became involved in a heated argument with her. The situation quickly escalated when Pearce allegedly struck Hurley, knocking her to the ground. He then grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her repeatedly, detectives reported.
Manhunt and Arrest
As deputies were en route, they were notified that Pearce had fled out the back door and into the nearby woods.
A perimeter was quickly established, and a multi-agency search began, involving CCSO K-9 teams, along with K-9 units from the Florida Wildlife Commission and the Florida Department of Corrections. Pearce was located and captured a short distance from the residence.
Despite continuous life-saving efforts by deputies, Columbia EMS, and Columbia County Firefighters, Ms. Hurley succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Pearce was transported to the Columbia County Detention Facility early Saturday morning. He has been charged with Homicide Murder Without Premeditation and is being held without bond. The CCSO Criminal Investigations Division is currently processing the crime scene and the investigation is ongoing.
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