Mom accused of stabbing son at doctor's office

Saturday, March 22, 2008

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Celeste Minardi is charged with attempted murder after police said she stabbed her son multiple times at a doctor's office. Mother arrested Watch Video

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A woman is charged with attempted murder after police said she stabbed her teenage son multiple times at a doctor's office.

Celeste Minardi, 55, went to the Largo doctor's office to meet her son for a court-ordered supervised visit Saturday.

They've been meeting there for the past three years.

But this time, according to police, Minardi brought two knives to the visit, an 18-inch double edge ornamental dagger and a knife commonly used for drywall.

"She had a large floppy purse that she had both weapons hidden in," said Largo Police Sgt. Mark Young. "And according to interviews when she does have visitation she will bring toys, trinkets, cologne to her son and so it's normal for her to walk in with a floppy purse."

That's why police said no one saw it coming when Minardi pulled out the two knives and stabbed her son in the throat, the abdomen, above his eye and in his head.

The 15-year-old was reportedly dozing off right before he was stabbed.

Those who were working nearby could hardly believe what happened.

"That's just crazy," said witness Roxanne Brown. "Why would you want to harm your son. I don't understand."

After being stabbed police said the teenager ran out into the lobby then collapsed.

Doctors took the weapons away from Minardi and held her until police arrived.

The boy was taken to Bayfront Medical Center.