Man killed ‘unequivocally’ identified as girl’s attacker, police say

Police investigating the stabbing of a 9-year-old said Wednesday the suspect, who was killed by a St. Cloud officer after leaving the scene, has been confirmed to be the one responsible for attacking the girl.

“There is unequivocally no evidence to suggest that a third party individual was involved, thus resting the speculation of an outstanding suspect,” said the St. Cloud Police Department in a statement.

The man killed, 21-year-old Jah’Sean Hodge, has been described by the victim’s family as the child’s uncle.

The agency’s statement — which it said was the result of detailed statements from the victim, the family and witnesses as well as “extensive forensic evidence” — included a quote from the victim’s mother, Veronica Snyder.

In the last week, she repeatedly told news outlets, including the Orlando Sentinel, that officers killed the wrong person. Snyder didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

“We finally got answers, and I have a lot to accept,” Snyder’s statement said. “But I just want to say the St. Cloud Police Department did their job. Let’s just not make this any worse than it is.”

Police said the victim, whose first name is Jadalee, was stabbed repeatedly in the face and upper body by Hodge inside the family’s Georgia Avenue apartment. He then left the scene covered in blood before he was confronted by two officers and was shot dead.

Officer Devin Dunn, who has been at the agency since December, was the only officer who fired his weapon and was placed on administrative leave while the shooting is investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Police Department said.

Snyder originally said Hodge had fended off her daughter’s attacker. A passerby’s call to 911, released by the agency, described Hodge waving his arms around as if trying to flag down a car as he walked down the street covered in blood.

Shortly after the incident, neighbors held a vigil for Hodge and Jadalee, who is expected to recover. On Saturday, protesters supporting Hodge crowded outside the St. Cloud police building demanding justice.