Lennie J. Dufrene Jr., a 58-year-old landlord in Davie, Florida, has been charged with felony battery after police allege he beat and choked his tenant unconscious twice after changing the locks on the rental property.
Background
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Davie police, officers first responded to Dufrene's residence on June 22 following a report that his tenant was "destroying the property." During that initial encounter, officers transported the tenant to a medical facility under the Baker Act, a Florida law permitting temporary detention of individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Before leaving the scene, Dufrene allegedly warned officers that if the tenant returned after being released from the hospital, "he would kill him." When officers advised Dufrene he would "go to prison" for following through on that threat, Dufrene replied, "Okay then I'll just beat the s— out of him," according to the affidavit.
After being released from the medical facility, the tenant returned to his residence and discovered that Dufrene had changed the code to the home's electronic lock. As he attempted to gain entry, Dufrene emerged from the property and began assaulting him, police allege.
The Investigation
"He began punching [the victim] repeatedly in the face until he lost consciousness," Davie police wrote in the probable cause affidavit. "The tenant told investigators he woke up face down on the ground to find Dufrene on top of him punching him in the back of the head."
Dufrene then allegedly choked the victim, causing him to lose consciousness a second time. After regaining awareness, the tenant fled the property because he remained locked out of his residence.
Police later responded to a Wawa convenience store on Davie Road after employees reported that a man had remained on the property for an extended period and appeared severely beaten. Responding officers recognized the individual from the previous day's landlord-tenant dispute.
"Dufrene was trying to kill him," the tenant told investigators, according to the affidavit. The victim provided officers with a sworn statement describing the alleged assault before being transported to HCA Florida University Hospital for treatment.
Medical personnel determined the tenant had suffered a left orbital floor fracture and multiple nasal fractures as a result of the attack, the affidavit states.
Key Takeaways
- Lennie J. Dufrene Jr., 58, has been charged with one count of felony battery in Broward County
- Police allege Dufrene beat his tenant unconscious twice—once from facial punches and once from choking
- The victim suffered a left orbital floor fracture and multiple nasal fractures requiring hospitalization
- Officers had previously responded to the property on June 22 following a Baker Act detention of the tenant
- Dufrene allegedly warned officers before the assault that he would "beat the s— out of" the victim if he returned
- The suspect was released after posting a $15,000 bond from Broward County Jail
What's Next
Dufrene faces one count of felony battery in connection with the alleged attack. Court dates have not yet been set, and it remains unclear when he is scheduled to appear before a judge. The case will likely hinge on medical evidence documenting the victim's injuries and testimony from both parties regarding the events of June 22.