Prosecutors Release Video Of Violent Stabbing On Miami Beach

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Video has surfaced of a man accused of stabbing two women at a store in Miami Beach after the defendant claimed he was the one who was attacked.

Joseph Kennett, 63, who says he's a disabled army veteran suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), was arrested following the violent attack in December.

In court, Kennett has invoked a "Stand Your Ground" defense, saying the women followed him into the Christal Foor Store at 7451 Collins Avenue, following an argument, and tried to attack him.

Prosecutors, however, said Kennett was the aggressor.

Surveillance video from the store shows Kennett walk into the store, followed by Jennifer Gaal, 28. After some words are exchanged, Kennett turns around and knocks Gaal to the ground with a punch. He then continues to pummel the woman and her mother, Blanca Nieves Reyes, 45, who eventually jumped in.

As the women fight back, Kennett is seen reaching into his back pocket, pulling out a knife, and stabbing Gaal several times in the upper torso.

She was hospitalized in critical condition.

Gaal told police the confrontation started after Kennett disrespected her mother outside of the store.

Kennett has a criminal history, according to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald, including a 16-year prison stint for bank robbery.

He faces two counts of attempted murder.

WARNING: Parts Of The Video May Be Considered Graphic