MIAMI (WSVN) - Miami Police have identified the victim and suspected killer in a deadly stabbing inside a Brickell high-rise where, investigators said, the victim was found stabbed to death in his sleep and the assailant later died after falling from a nearby construction site.
Police said 17-year-old Dominic Ferrell was found stabbed to death on the 34th floor of the Icon Residences, just after 2 a.m. Sunday.
“This is a completely random incident. It’s disheartening to know that this is a 17-year-old that was killed while he was in his sleep. He was in his bedroom asleep when this happened,” said Miami Police Officer Michael Vega.
“It’s very senseless,” said Genet Kidane, who is visiting Brickell.
A preliminary investigation and eyewitness accounts revealed that the alleged killer, 26-year-old Kyrill Kehl, bypassed lobby security and slipped into an elevator with other guests who had a key fob.
Detectives said the suspect went to the 40th floor of the building and then made his way down, trying the doors of several apartments in the process to see which ones were unlocked.
Woefully, the doors to Ferrell’s apartment were unlocked, and Kehl entered the unit where the victim was sleeping, stabbing him multiple times and ultimately taking his life, police said.
“This man went to the 40-something floor, trying to open doors, got down to the 34th floor, began to do the same thing and, unfortunately, Dominic’s door was open,” said Vega.
A witness was also in the apartment who ran for help after realizing what had happened.
According to Miami Police, security footage showed Kehl running away from the high-rise. Investigators said he crossed Brickell Avenue and went into a building that was under construction across the street.
Police said he then fell hundreds of feet to his death. It’s unclear whether the fall was intentional or accidental.
Investigators said the suspect and the victim did not know each other, and it was a random attack, as Kehl is an Arizona native.
“They have no relationship to each other. This is a complete stranger; as a matter of fact, the subject in this case is originally from Arizona, and we believe that he had only been here for two or three days,” said Vega.
Ferrell is a local to the South Florida area as he lived and attended school in Miami. His former school, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School, posted a video on social media to remember him, showing him in his younger years wearing a graduation cap.
In a caption to the post, the school wrote:
“We are united in prayer and remembrance for Dominic and the entire Ferrell family during this difficult time… He will always be remembered for his spirit, faith, and love that touched so many.”
Family and friends took to social media to post photos of Ferrell with heartfelt messages.
Dominic was a ray of sunshine! Always with a smile on his face. Always so proper, well mannered, appreciative and sweet! His laughter and smile are contagious. He was the perfect addition to our Sts. Peter and Paul Class of 2022. A dear friend to my son, Jesus.
Officials urge people to always lock their doors, even for brief moments like checking the mail, as danger can strike in seconds.
“And that’s why we tell people, encourage everyone to lock your doors, even if you’re going downstairs to get your mail. Lock your doors,” said Vega.
Brickell residents and visitors said they are heartbroken to learn about this senseless crime.
“Somebody lost a son, and it shouldn’t have happened,” said Kidane.
Others said they are worried about random attacks in the city.
“I feel like I’m scared. If somebody, like, walks behind me, I don’t feel safe,” said area resident Samo Faddoule.
“I’m weary. You have to watch your back, you know, watch your six, as they say,” said a third area resident.
Police said there is still much to be investigated regarding this crime.
“The case is still not closed, even though, yes, we know who the offender is, we know he’s deceased. We still have to piece everything together and give closure to his family and try to find out what actually led to this. Why this man just randomly went up to this apartment and killed this young man,” said Vega.
Tuesday night, Miami Beach Senior High School, where Ferrell was reportedly also a student, issued a statement that reads:
“With heavy hearts, we remember our fellow Hi-Tide. Their spirit will forever be a part of our school. Sending love and strength to their family and friends during this difficult time.”
Officials are waiting for a toxicology report from the suspect; meanwhile, they will work to determine if mental health played a role in this violent incident.
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