A Miami resident, Stefano Eduardo Cremasco-Cicero, 36, is facing charges of second-degree murder following the death of his mother, who was found stabbed in his Brickell apartment. He claimed self-defense when police arrived at the scene, after being spotted covered in blood with a knife.
According to Miami police, Cremasco-Cicero told them, “I was defending myself.” The incident unfolded early on a Friday morning when officers responded to a call for police assistance at the building. Upon arrival, they found Cremasco-Cicero in the lobby with blood on his hands, clothing, and shoes. He directed officers to the apartment where his mother lay with multiple stab wounds.
The authorities have identified Cremasco-Cicero in connection with the crime, but have not released further details about his mother. Reports suggest she was visiting from Mexico.
The events began when a delivery driver, arriving at the building, encountered Cremasco-Cicero, who asked for assistance in calling 911. He initially called himself but handed the phone to the driver for building details.
Surveillance footage revealed key moments prior to the police’s arrival. Cremasco-Cicero was seen returning to the building with his mother at 10:32 p.m. the night before. Later, at 4:26 a.m., he entered an elevator wearing bloodstained clothing and carrying a knife. He was reported to have exited the elevator, dropped the knife, picked it up again, and re-entered another elevator.
He later changed clothes and exited the building, only to return and sit in the lobby, according to surveillance video reports.
When the crime was being committed, Cremasco-Cicero’s wife was reportedly in France. She mentioned to detectives about his strained relationship with his mother after his parents’ divorce. She also noted his stress over opening a new restaurant.
The Miami Herald and WPLG have reported that Cremasco-Cicero holds an investor visa and is affiliated with the 1986 Steakhouse in Miami.
Records from Miami-Dade Corrections show he was booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with no bond, and he is on hold for immigration authorities.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Cremasco-Cicero is an illegal immigrant from Mexico. They have issued a detainer, and his case will be assessed by an immigration judge.