Florida Police Foil Potential Serial Killer After Arrest of Teen Suspect
Police in Port St. Lucie, Florida, have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with the brutal killing of a 67-year-old man, sparking concerns that they may have prevented a potential serial killer.
Omarion Ivory, a resident of Port St. Lucie, was charged with the murder of Francis Gennace, who was discovered dead in his home on September 12. Gennace’s colleagues requested a welfare check after he failed to report to work for several days. Officers found him near his front door, having sustained roughly 45 stab wounds to his head and neck. A knife with a four-inch blade was located next to his body, and another knife was found in a bedroom, though police have not determined where it came from. Evidence suggests Gennace may have been preparing a meal when he opened the door and was violently attacked, as there were no signs of forced entry.
Ivory was identified as a suspect following an extensive review of over 600 hours of neighborhood surveillance footage. Authorities observed him canvassing the area around Gennace’s home on September 8, approaching the residence, and leaving approximately 30 minutes later on a bicycle.
On September 20, Ivory was taken into custody after reportedly banging on the door and peering into the windows of a nearby home where a woman lived alone. He was allegedly armed with a hammer but fled the scene on a bike before police apprehended him. Investigators connected Ivory to both incidents, noting that the two locations were roughly five miles apart. Key evidence, including surveillance footage and matching clothing, shoes, and a stolen bicycle, helped link him to the crimes.
During a press conference, Assistant Police Chief Leo Niemczyk remarked, “All accounts lead us to believe that Mr. Ivory was probably preparing to commit a second homicide that day.” He added that Ivory may have been a “potential serial killer” who was stopped just in time.
Forensic evidence further tied Ivory to the crime. Blood from Gennace was found on the hammer seized during his arrest, and fingerprints on the knife found beside Gennace matched Ivory’s. His shoe size and sole pattern also matched prints at the crime scenes, police confirmed.
Police say Ivory acted alone and did not know his victims. Although his family reported a history of paranoid schizophrenia, this has not been officially confirmed by authorities. Ivory, who has a juvenile criminal record, now faces multiple charges, including first-degree premeditated murder, armed burglary, loitering, possession of burglary tools, and grand theft. He is being held without bond.
