Tamarac, Florida — A 10-year-old boy reportedly ran from his home and called his father for help after witnessing his mother’s boyfriend allegedly threaten to kill her during a violent domestic dispute, according to Florida investigators.
Authorities say the incident unfolded Tuesday evening at a home in Tamarac, where deputies later arrested 45-year-old William Adam Lamkin on multiple charges, including domestic assault, domestic battery, and resisting an officer with violence.
The allegations are contained in court records, and the criminal case remains ongoing.
Child Reportedly Fled After Alleged Death Threat
According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly before 7:30 p.m. after the boy’s father called 911, saying his son had contacted him while standing outside a neighbor’s home because he believed he was being followed.
The child told deputies he was home when his mother returned with alcohol, after which she and Lamkin began arguing.
Investigators allege the argument quickly escalated into violence. According to the affidavit, the child told deputies that Lamkin grabbed his mother’s shirt and threatened to kill her.
“The child stated that his mother told him William had grabbed her by the shirt and said he was going to murder her.”
Fearing for his mother’s safety, the boy reportedly ran from the home and immediately called his father.
Woman Told Deputies She Feared for Her Life
When deputies arrived, investigators say the woman initially hesitated to discuss what had happened but became emotional after learning officers had already spoken with her son.
According to court documents, she said Lamkin had repeatedly texted her while she was shopping, demanding she return home immediately.
After arriving home, Lamkin allegedly approached her vehicle, forced her back into the driver’s seat, shoved her against the seat, and punched her in the arm.
Investigators say he then allegedly warned her:
“I am going to ask you this question one time and one time only, and every time you give me that b— answer, I will punch you again.”
The woman also told deputies Lamkin allegedly grabbed her shirt and threatened to murder her.
When asked whether she believed he would carry out the threat, investigators say she replied:
“Of course.”
Child Ran Through Neighborhood as Neighbors Tried to Help
According to the affidavit, neighbors attempted to intervene as Lamkin allegedly became increasingly aggressive and appeared to move toward them in an effort to start a confrontation.
The woman and her son eventually went back inside, but the argument allegedly continued.
Investigators say the frightened 10-year-old then ran away from the home, prompting his mother to chase after him until they reached the neighborhood pool, where she saw him safely get into his father’s pickup truck.
While deputies were still investigating, Lamkin allegedly continued calling and texting the woman, saying he was returning to the home.
According to investigators, the woman pleaded with deputies not to leave, telling them:
“He will kill me, he’s a psycho.”
She also described what she alleged was Lamkin’s history of domestic violence in previous relationships.
Deputies Say Suspect Resisted Arrest
Authorities say Lamkin returned to the residence while deputies were still present.
According to investigators, he denied any wrongdoing and told deputies:
“I didn’t do anything wrong so go about your business.”
Court documents allege Lamkin then became confrontational, ignored officers’ commands, got into deputies’ faces, and assumed what investigators described as a fighting stance before deputies used force to take him into custody.
After receiving medical evaluation at a hospital, Lamkin was booked into the Broward County Jail.
Court records show a judge set his bond at $32,500. The allegations against Lamkin have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think stronger intervention can help protect children and victims in domestic violence situations? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
