Davie, Florida — A Florida landlord is facing a felony charge after police say he threatened to kill his tenant, changed the code to the home’s lock, and then launched a violent attack that left the victim unconscious twice and hospitalized with multiple facial fractures.
Investigators say the alleged assault occurred just one day after officers responded to an earlier dispute at the same property, where the landlord reportedly made alarming statements in front of law enforcement.
Police Say Landlord Threatened Tenant Before Attack
According to a probable cause affidavit, Davie police first responded to the residence on June 22 after 58-year-old Lennie J. Dufrene Jr. reported that his tenant was damaging the property.
When officers arrived, they spoke with both men. The tenant was later transported to a medical facility under Florida’s Baker Act, which allows for temporary evaluation of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Before officers left the scene, investigators say Dufrene warned that he would kill the tenant if he returned to the property after being released from the hospital.
Police told him that carrying out such a threat would send him to prison.
According to the affidavit, Dufrene allegedly responded, “Okay then I’ll just beat the s— out of him.” Officers again warned him that assaulting the tenant would also result in jail time.
Tenant Returned Home to Find Lock Code Changed
After being released from the hospital, the tenant returned to the residence only to discover that the code for the property’s electronic lock had been changed, preventing him from entering.
As he attempted to get back inside, police say Dufrene came outside and began repeatedly punching him in the face. Investigators allege the attack continued until the tenant lost consciousness.
The victim later told detectives that when he regained consciousness, he found himself lying face down on the ground while Dufrene was allegedly punching him in the back of the head.
Police say Dufrene then allegedly choked the tenant, causing him to lose consciousness a second time.
Victim Says He Believed He Was Going to Be Killed
After regaining consciousness again, the tenant left the property because he remained locked out of the home. According to investigators, he wandered the area before eventually arriving at a Wawa convenience store on Davie Road.
Employees reportedly became concerned after noticing the man had remained at the store for an extended period and appeared to have been severely beaten.
When officers arrived, they recognized him from the landlord-tenant dispute the previous day.
The tenant gave detectives a sworn statement describing the alleged assault and told investigators he believed Dufrene had been trying to kill him.
Doctors Found Multiple Facial Fractures
The victim was transported to HCA Florida University Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a fractured left orbital floor and multiple nasal fractures, according to the affidavit.
Based on the investigation and the victim’s injuries, detectives determined there was probable cause to arrest Dufrene.
He was charged with one count of felony battery, booked into the Broward County Jail, and later released after posting a $15,000 bond.
Court records did not immediately indicate when he is expected to make his next court appearance.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should landlords face tougher penalties when disputes with tenants turn violent? Share your opinion in the comments below.
