Man remains critically ill after bar stabbing; suspect charged with attempted murder
A Fort Lauderdale family is calling for justice after a man was stabbed inside a popular East Sunrise Boulevard nightlife spot late Thursday night and remains in critical condition at Broward Health Medical Center.
Fort Lauderdale Police identified the suspect as Lawrence Edmonson, 52, who was arrested and charged with attempted murder. Investigators say the incident occurred at approximately 10:40 p.m. inside Blue Martini on East Sunrise Boulevard following an altercation.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Blue Martini, East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale |
| Time | About 10:40 p.m., Thursday |
| Suspect | Lawrence Edmonson, 52 |
| Charge | Attempted murder; held without bond at Broward County Jail |
| Victim | Unidentified by police; family reports nine stab wounds; hospitalized at Broward Health Medical Center |
Family speaks from hospital bedside
Family members have remained at the victim’s bedside since the assault was reported. Authorities advised the family not to publicly identify their relative, but they provided details of his condition to news outlets.
“This guy tried to kill my son,” said the victim’s mother, Margarita Wray, who has been at the hospital since Friday morning.
The family said the victim suffered nine stab wounds that pierced his lungs. His sister, Marie Wray, described his condition as grave: he is unconscious and is being supported by machines after suffering a large stroke and significant oxygen loss to the brain. The family said doctors have told them he cannot leave the hospital at this time.
Arrest, charges and custody
Investigators say Edmonson sustained minor injuries during the altercation. He was booked into the Broward County Jail and is being held without bond. Police have charged him with attempted murder; further details about the rationale for the charge were not released in initial reports.
- Incident reportedly followed a fight inside the bar.
- Victim has not been identified publicly at the request of family and authorities.
- Suspect is in custody pending prosecution.
Community reaction and next steps
The attack has raised concerns among patrons and nearby residents about safety at nightlife venues in Fort Lauderdale. Blue Martini, a well-known chain with busy evening crowds, has not issued a statement in initial coverage. The family has said they want accountability and that the suspect’s actions carry consequences.
Legal proceedings are expected to follow the arrest. Prosecutors will review the police file and medical evidence before deciding on formal charges beyond the initial attempted murder filing. In custody records, Edmonson is listed as being held without bond.
For the victim’s family, the immediate priority remains his recovery. “I want my son home, but doctors say that’s not going to happen right now,” the victim’s mother said, struggling with her emotions. The family also warned that the attack affected more than one life, with the sister telling the suspect, “You threw away two lives that night.”
Fort Lauderdale Police continue to investigate the incident. Anyone with information about the fight or the events leading up to the stabbing is asked to contact police. As the criminal case develops, further public records — including booking records, charges and court filings — will provide more details about the incident and the evidence against the suspect.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about violence in public venues and the consequences when disputes escalate. Local officials and business owners typically point to collaboration between law enforcement and hospitality operators to improve safety, though specific preventative measures at this location have not been detailed in early reports.
