A Florida woman is facing a stack of felony charges after police say a heated relationship dispute escalated into a violent machete attack at a South Miami home.
According to arrest records obtained by Local 10 News, officers first became aware of the incident when a man arrived at South Miami Hospital seeking treatment for a severe injury.
Medical staff reported a deep cut to his right elbow, which the man told police was the result of an altercation with his girlfriend, 49-year-old Liz Frechel.
Investigators say the conflict began the night before the injury during a dinner date on November 20 at a Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Fontainebleau. The man told police the couple started arguing after he confronted Frechel about a photograph that appeared to show her holding hands and embracing another man. The disagreement intensified to the point that he left her at the restaurant and went home, according to the arrest report.
The situation reportedly turned dangerous the following day. On November 21, the man drove to Frechel’s residence near Southwest 72nd Street and 62nd Avenue to return several of her personal belongings, including medication, eyeglasses, and a mug. Once inside the home, Frechel allegedly became aggressive, yelling at him and preventing him from leaving.
Police claim Frechel locked the bedroom door, trapping the man inside. According to the report, she allegedly told him, “You are not going anywhere… You’re going to pay,” before retrieving a machete from her closet.
When the man attempted to grab his keys and escape, Frechel reportedly swung the blade, slicing his elbow. He said she continued shouting threats, including, “I’m going to kill you,” during the attack.
The man was able to flee the apartment, get into his car, and drive himself to the hospital for treatment.
Officers arrested Frechel at her home later that evening, shortly after 7:15 p.m. She was booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center before midnight, according to jail records. A neighbor also reported hearing loud yelling, objects being thrown, and a man crying during the incident, police noted.
Court records show that Frechel faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, attempted murder with a deadly weapon, and false imprisonment with a deadly weapon.
During her bond court appearance on November 22, a Miami-Dade judge ordered her to have no contact with the victim. Bond was denied on the attempted murder charge, while the other charges carry a combined bond set at $15,000.
Judge Zachary James is scheduled to preside over the case.