Metro Weekly

Florida man accused of stabbing gay friend in neck after they had sex

Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies found victim suffering from multiple stab wounds to the neck

Crime scene tape – Photo: Fer Gregory

A Florida man has been arrested after stabbing a friend in the neck after the two had sex

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office arrested Michael Drake, 38, of St. Petersburg, last Thursday, charging him with one count of second-degree attempted murder, reports The Tampa Bay Times.

Police were called to the area around the 5200 block of 77th Street N. in St. Petersburg, where they found 54-year-old Mark Kimball with a bloody towel around his neck, suffering from stab wounds.

Kimball told police that he had gone over Drake’s house for a sexual encounter. After they were finished, Drake allegedly attacked Kimball with a knife, cutting his neck multiple times before leaving.

Kimball wrapped the towel around his neck and walked up the street looking for help. A neighbor of Drake’s eventually called 911.

Kimball was transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. 

About five hours after the attack, police were searching for Drake when they received a call about a robbery in progress, in the 5200 block of 79th Street N. When they arrived on scene, they found Drake, who had gone to a nearby acquaintance’s house, but the acquaintance wanted him to leave.

Sheriff’s deputies began talking with Drake, who admitted to attacking Kimball. They then searched Drake’s house and recovered a 10- to 12-inch kitchen knife, which is believed to be the weapon.

According to Pinellas County jail records, Drake has been arrested in the past on charges of battery and battery by strangulation. He has since been released on bond and has been placed on house arrest. He must wear a GPS monitor at all times, and his house has been fitted with cameras.

Drake has been ordered to stay away from the Kimball, his house, his place of employment, and any other place where he might encounter him.

Drake may report to work, school, attorney appointments, and may schedule grocery store shopping while under house arrest. He may not possess any firearms or ammunition while on house arrest. A date has not yet been scheduled for his next court appearance.

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