Man accused of stabbing girlfriend in the head tells police 'I'm sorry' – WFTV

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — A man accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death in Casselberry this week was stoic as he appeared before a Seminole County judge Thursday afternoon.

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However, new body camera video released by Casselberry police shows the scene was different when they arrested 37-year-old Farel Torres on Wednesday.

Investigators said Torres stabbed his girlfriend, Vanessa Marie Santiago, 34, a mother of two, in the head at her San Jose Circle home.

READ: Seminole County Clerk Announces New Domestic Violence Service Center

Police say Torres then called 9-1-1 to confess.

According to the police report, Torres kept saying “I'm sorry” during his arrest.

This body camera video shows him sobbing uncontrollably as he was later taken to the Seminole County Jail.

Investigators said there was a history of domestic violence between Torres and Santiago.

Santiago was the mother of two children, one of whom she shared with Torres.

Police said they were called in March this year after Torres allegedly stole Santiago's phone.

Santiago did not press charges at the time.

Casselberry police said that in 2021, Seminole County deputies also filed a report alleging violence between the couple.

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Domestic violence advocates said the case represents the worst-case scenario they try to help women avoid.

“When you work with a domestic violence service provider, like Harbor House, Help Now, or Safe House of Seminole. The likelihood that a person will survive this domestic violence situation is much higher if they have someone on their side,” said Michelle Sperzel, CEO of Harbor House of Central Florida.

According to some studies, it takes about seven attempts to permanently end an abusive relationship.

Sperzel said she frequently works with women who are trapped in cycles of violence and who feel pressured to stay.

She said a number of external factors often contribute to why women stay, including financial pressure, housing issues and childcare.

Organizations like Harbor House can help women plan their getaway safely.

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If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence, help is available.

Harbor House Confidential Crisis Line 24/7: (407) 886-2856

Florida Domestic Violence Hotline: +1 (800) 500-1119

National Domestic Violence Hotline: +1 (800) 799-7233

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