CHULUOTA, FL – In a tragic sequence of events that shook Seminole County, authorities initially ruled the death of an Embry-Riddle student as a suicide. However, the incident took a darker turn when it was discovered that the young woman had been brutally murdered, leading to an intense investigation.
According to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, 40-year-old Kristin Stephens was found lifeless on her bedroom floor, having been stabbed multiple times. Investigators revealed that her former boyfriend, James Lindsay, allegedly broke into her home in a fit of jealousy. The attack, described as horrific, left the community in shock.
Authorities reported that Lindsay entered the residence by smashing a window, possibly with a hammer, and then launched a violent assault on Stephens. A new acquaintance of Stephens, whom she had met through a dating app, was also present during the attack. Awakened by the commotion, he attempted to intervene but was injured in the process. Despite his injuries, he managed to escape to a neighbor’s house to call for help.
After the attack, Lindsay fled the scene in his vehicle. His escape ended tragically when he crashed his car near Fort Christmas Road, where he was ejected and died on the spot. Investigators believe that Lindsay was driving at an excessive speed, possibly over 100 miles per hour, when he lost control on a significant bend.
Court documents revealed that just weeks before the incident, Lindsay had been involved in a domestic dispute with Stephens. As a result, he was ordered to surrender 21 firearms to law enforcement, a directive he complied with. However, a subsequent request for Lindsay to be monitored via an ankle bracelet was denied by a judge, despite the severity of the prior altercation.
The incident has left a profound impact, particularly on Stephens’ 16-year-old son, who lost both his mother and father in one nightmarish episode. The community and local authorities have expressed their deep sorrow and are offering support to the grieving family.
Sheriff Dennis Lemma highlighted the importance of taking precautionary measures in domestic violence cases, expressing regret over the court’s decision not to impose stricter monitoring on Lindsay. Meanwhile, the second victim, who sustained a stab wound to the leg, is expected to recover fully.
For those experiencing domestic violence, resources are available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides support and can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE.