A 47-year-old homeless man has been arrested and charged with second-degree attempted murder after allegedly pushing a woman into the Miami River during a violent confrontation Tuesday morning, leaving her in critical condition.
The suspect, William Bill Youmans Jr., was taken into custody by Miami police shortly after the incident occurred around 10:55 a.m. near 114 SW North River Drive, just west of downtown Miami.
The victim, identified as Marie Luce Roseme, was found unconscious in the river and was rescued by Miami Fire Rescue divers at approximately 11:08 a.m. She was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where she remains intubated and in critical condition, authorities confirmed Wednesday afternoon.
According to police, the attack unfolded in front of at least two witnesses. A teenager under the Southwest First Street Bridge observed the argument escalate and saw Youmans shove Roseme into the water. The teen immediately called 911 and maintained visual contact with Youmans until officers arrived.
Another witness also reported seeing the altercation, stating the pair had been arguing and throwing objects at each other. The witness added that Roseme was frequently seen in the nearby park.
Detectives later interviewed Youmans at the Miami Police Department’s Homicide Office, where he reportedly displayed erratic and disturbing behavior. The arrest report notes that Youmans began screaming uncontrollably, punching walls, and masturbated and ejaculated on the interview room table during questioning. Due to this conduct, detectives ended the interrogation and formally charged him with second-degree attempted murder.
Investigators temporarily shut down a portion of Southwest North River Drive to collect evidence and speak with witnesses. Authorities confirmed that Youmans and Roseme knew each other, though the details of their relationship have not been disclosed.
As of Wednesday, Youmans was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $100,000 bond.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
Reference: Man faces attempted murder charge for shoving woman in Miami River, police say