“Why Aren’t You Dead Yet?”: Gruesome Margate Attack Leaves Mother Critically Injured, Child Covered In Blood

by Ryan Yousefi August 5, 2026

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Ruben Altidore {BSO}

A Margate man is accused of repeatedly attacking his sister with a machete as her 1-year-old daughter lay beside her, leaving the woman critically injured and the child covered in blood.

According to a Margate Police Department arrest report, Ruben Altidore, 36, was arrested on August 3 and charged with attempted felony murder and aggravated child abuse.

Records indicate officers responded to a home located near the 6900 block of Northwest 4th Place after receiving reports of a woman suffering severe machete wounds. When they arrived, they found the victim covered in blood with multiple deep lacerations.

Investigators said home surveillance footage captured the bloody aftermath. Video reportedly shows the injured woman running from the home while screaming as Altidore chased after her carrying a machete. Another woman can be seen holding a small child as the victim escaped.

Police said the victim collapsed after reaching a nearby home and ringing the neighbor’s doorbell. She had extensive injuries to her hands and legs and was bleeding heavily.

Inside the home, investigators allege they found what they described as a gruesome crime scene. According to the arrest report, blood covered the victim’s bedroom and trailed through the hallway, into a bathroom area, and outside the residence.

Officers also recovered a machete hidden beneath a bed and found its sheath in the kitchen.

While being treated, the victim told officers that her brother repeatedly struck her with the machete while she was lying in bed. During the attack, she said he asked, “Oh my God, why aren’t you dead yet?”

Police said the woman’s injuries included a 10-inch wound on the back of her thigh that extended to the bone, severe cuts to both hands, and multiple fingers that were nearly amputated.

Investigators said the victim’s 1-year-old daughter was lying beside her when the attack occurred. Although the child was not physically hurt, officers said she was covered in her mother’s blood.

Altidore was arrested and transported to the Broward County Main Jail, where he is held without bond.

Records show this is not the first time Margate PD has charged Altidore with a crime that involved stabbing someone. In 2024, Margate Talk reported that Altidore was charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly attacking men hired by his sister to install a television in the home, stabbing one during a chaotic struggle that eventually led to Altidore being shot multiple times.

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Author Profile

Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.