TALLAHASSEE, FL — A 19-year-old man died Wednesday evening after stabbing two women at Cascades Park in an incident that began as a welfare check, according to the Tallahassee Police Department.
At 5:21 p.m. on September 10, officers were alerted that Octavious McCaine had abruptly left his home in an agitated state and might become violent if approached. Police began searching locations he was known to frequent.
At 7:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to Cascades Park for a welfare check on a distressed individual. Just minutes later, at 7:39 p.m., dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting stabbings in the park.
Officers in the area quickly responded and located two adult female victims, who were transported to a local hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening. The suspect fled toward a retaining wall, climbed over, and jumped into a pond inside the park. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team later recovered McCaine’s body. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Preliminary findings indicate McCaine was suffering a severe mental health episode at the time of the attack.
“This was a deeply unsettling incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the witnesses who were impacted by this attack,” said Chief Lawrence Revell. “I am grateful for the quick and coordinated response from multiple units within the Tallahassee Police Department, as well as the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Capitol Police and Tallahassee Fire Department. Together, their action prevented further harm.”
Police said an increased law enforcement presence will remain at Cascades Park to reassure visitors.
The motive remains under investigation. Detectives ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident but did not speak with an officer to call 850-891-4200 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.
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