Miami Man Charged with Attempted Murder After River Push Incident

114 SW North River Drive, Miami, 33130, USA - In the bustling city of Miami, a grim incident unfolded on Tuesday morning, resulting in the arrest of a homeless man accused of a heinous crime. William Bill Youmans Jr., 47, now faces serious charges of second-degree attempted murder after allegedly pushing Marie Luce Roseme into the Miami River during a heated argument. This unsettling event occurred near 114 SW North River Drive just before 11 a.m., raising alarms among residents and passersby.

Witnesses reported that the argument between Youmans and Roseme escalated quickly, prompting a teenager to call 911. Thanks to their timely action, Roseme was discovered unconscious in the river, with Miami Fire Rescue divers rescuing her at approximately 11:08 a.m. She was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where she remained intubated and in critical condition as of Wednesday afternoon. The nature of the relationship between the two individuals is still unclear, but it has emerged that they were known to each other prior to this altercation Local 10 News.

Disturbing Behavior and Arrest

Following the incident, witnesses recounted a disturbing scene. Another bystander confirmed that the exchange between Youmans and Roseme was fueled by both verbal and physical confrontations involving thrown objects. Upon his arrest, Youmans displayed erratic behavior, including screaming and punching walls during police interrogation, leading to the escalation of charges to second-degree attempted murder. Authorities have since urged anyone with further information to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477, as part of their ongoing investigation Local 10 News.

This incident is particularly troubling against a backdrop of violence faced by homeless individuals in the area. It highlights ongoing safety concerns, evidenced by another recent tragic event involving Brenton Clarke, 36. Clarke has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder after an unprovoked attack on homeless individuals in downtown Miami. This brutal attack, which occurred early Thursday morning, resulted in the deaths of two victims and left two others hospitalized NBC Miami.

Increasing Violence Against the Vulnerable

The alarming frequency of violence against homeless individuals raises questions about public safety and societal responses to mental health issues. A 2017 article by Mitchell Katz noted the increasing public frustration regarding behaviors associated with homelessness, contributing to a growing perception that those experiencing homelessness are a threat. In 2022, the number of people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. reached a staggering 582,620, with significant numbers grappling with mental health conditions and substance use problems PMC.

While mental health issues are often discussed in conjunction with homelessness, the relationship is far from straightforward. Reports indicate that many individuals experiencing homelessness are more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators, with numerous studies indicating that a significant portion of this population has faced violence PMC. The tragic outcomes involving both Youmans and Clarke’s victims illustrate a pressing need for comprehensive societal support and a reevaluation of how we address homelessness and mental health.

Local authorities are still piecing together many elements related to both incidents. As the community continues to grapple with these disturbing events, one thing is certain: compassion and understanding must be at the forefront of our approach to these complex issues.