Woman accused of killing her son’s father appears in Miami-Dade court

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – A 33-year-old mother was in tears shaking her head in disbelief on Monday in court.

Kaity Elese Maldonado stood before Miami-Dade County Circuit Juge Leon M. Firtel wearing a forest green anti-suicide smock.

Maldonado’s hands were in handcuffs. Hours earlier, they were covered in blood, and she held a kitchen knife in Miami Gardens, police said.

A witness reported hearing them screaming, according to police. Maldonado confessed to stabbing her son’s father — who she said had attacked her first.

The man suffered several stab wounds. Police officers found him in the kitchen of the house west of Northwest 177 Street and 37 Court, according to police.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel used a helicopter to get him to Aventura Hospital. A doctor pronounced him dead.

On Monday, in bond court, prosecutors requested pre-trial detention. Firtel said he had found probable cause for the charge of second-degree murder and denied bond.

Records show correctional officers held Maldonado at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on Monday afternoon. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Laura Anne Stuzin was set to preside over the case.