A West Palm Beach man was hospitalized with a protruding stomach and a severed portion of his nose after allegedly being repeatedly stabbed by a woman while fixing a flat bicycle tire, according to police authorities. Amanda Rupp, 42, has been charged with first-degree attempted murder, robbery with a deadly weapon, and aggravated battery following the violent encounter on Broadway Avenue.
Background
The incident occurred in the 4700 block of Broadway Avenue in West Palm Beach, Florida. Two security guards discovered the 34-year-old victim early Sunday morning suffering from critical wounds. Paramedics rushed the man to a local hospital, where he was later interviewed by law enforcement.
According to the probable cause arrest affidavit, the victim’s bicycle tire had gone flat, and he was sitting on the ground attempting to repair it when Rupp approached him. She initially asked about his bicycle before suddenly attacking him with a knife. During the assault, Rupp allegedly screamed, "I'm going to kill you!"
Police reported that the victim sustained a stab wound to his upper torso, which caused his stomach to protrude from his body. Additionally, a piece of his nose was severed during the attack; the fragment was recovered at the scene.
The Charges
Amanda Rupp was taken into custody following the incident. Court records indicate she stands accused of first-degree attempted murder, robbery with a deadly weapon, and aggravated battery. The charges stem from the severity of the injuries inflicted and the alleged intent to kill during the confrontation.
Initially, Rupp attempted to portray herself as the victim. She allegedly told officers, "That f—ing guy that robbed me," claiming that the man had offered his bicycle in exchange for sex. She alleged that when she rejected his offer, he attacked her with a knife, and the injuries resulted from a defensive scuffle.
However, West Palm Beach Police stated that surveillance footage reviewed by investigators corroborated the victim’s account of the events. Officers noted that Rupp displayed "no remorse" and continued to assault the man even after he had been stabbed, contradicting her claim of self-defense.
Key Takeaways
- Amanda Rupp, 42, is charged with first-degree attempted murder, robbery with a deadly weapon, and aggravated battery.
- The victim, 34, suffered a stab wound to the torso causing stomach protrusion and lost part of his nose.
- Surveillance footage reportedly supported the victim's account over Rupp's claim of self-defense.
- Rupp is being held at Palm Beach County Jail without bond.
- The attack occurred in the 4700 block of Broadway Avenue in West Palm Beach, Florida.
What's Next
Amanda Rupp remains incarcerated at the Palm Beach County Jail without bond. Her next scheduled court appearance is set for Oct. 22, where legal proceedings will likely address the charges of attempted murder and robbery.
Investigators have recovered the piece of the victim's nose from the scene, and the victim is recovering in the hospital. The case highlights a brutal roadside encounter that police say was captured clearly on video, undermining the suspect's initial narrative of being the victim of a robbery.