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Man who allegedly stabbed his 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 appeared stoic before a Seminole County judge Thursday afternoon.

However, new bodycam video from Casselberry Police shows the scene looked different when they took 37-year-old Farel Torres into custody on Wednesday.

Investigators said Torres stabbed his girlfriend, 34-year-old mother of two Vanessa Marie Santiago, in the head at their home on San Jose Circle.

READ: Seminole County Clerk announces new domestic violence service center

According to police, Torres then called 9-1-1 himself to make a confession.

According to the police report, Torres repeatedly said “I’m sorry” during his arrest.

Bodycam video shows him sobbing uncontrollably as he is later taken to the Seminole County Jail.

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According to investigators, there had been domestic violence between Torres and Santiago in the past.

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

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

Santiago did not press charges at the time.

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

READ: Suspected drug dealer charged with manslaughter by fentanyl overdose

Lawyers who work to combat domestic violence said this case represents the worst-case scenario and they are trying to avoid the women.

“When you work with a domestic violence service provider like Harbor House, Help Now or Safe House of Seminole, the likelihood of someone surviving that domestic violence situation is much higher because they have someone on their side,” says Michelle Sperzel, CEO of Harbor House of Central Florida.

According to some studies, it takes about seven attempts to finally leave an abusive relationship.

Sperzel said she often works with women who are caught in a cycle of violence and feel compelled to stay there.

She said a number of external factors often contribute to women staying, including financial pressures, concerns about housing and childcare.

Organizations like Harbor House can help women make safe vacation plans.

READ: Suspect arrested in shooting that leaves two dead at illegal after-hours club in Pine Hills in Nashville

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

Harbor House’s confidential 24/7 crisis hotline: (407) 886-2856

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

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

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