Man Accused Of Killing Wife, Daughter With Machete In Miami Gardens Booked Into Jail
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The man accused of killing his wife and daughter with a machete in Miami Gardens was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center overnight.
Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy Glazer had strong words as the suspect, 57-year-old Noel Chambers, appeared in bond court.
"These are truly horrific facts," she said, "and I find probable counts on all three counts and no bond on counts 1, 2 and 3."
Chambers was taken into custody thanks to some observant firefighters. His arrest ended a three-day manhunt.
A spokesman said the case was a top priority for Miami Gardens Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt. He said she had strong feelings about this tragedy "as a mother, as a person and as a human being."
"Our team work paid off. We apprehended this heinous criminal," said Miami Gardens Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt
A photo obtained by CBS4 shows Noel-Pratt and officers on the scene just moments after the takedown.
Chambers was spotted by firefighters outside Fire Station 38, which is located in Miami Gardens on 199th Street just west of 441.
"The firefighters contacted the Miami Gardens police department at which time our officers responded to the station, located the subject and took him into custody without incident," said Noel-Pratt.
Police say Chambers attacked and killed 48-year-old Lorrice Harris, his wife of 10 years, and 10-year-old daughter Shayla Chambers with a machete because his wife had asked for a divorce.
"A sign of relief. Now my family could have peace of mind to know he's not out running around and enjoying his life after the nasty crime he did. He took a big peace of our heart," said Harris's daughter Ashley Anderson. "He don't belong on the street, he don't belong to live, I'm just so happy that he got caught, there's no amount of words that we could express to you guys."
Anderson told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "Miami Gardens police they did such an amazing job. They did everything. Their detectives texted us and called us and kept us up to date."
Harris's mother Norena Branch said, "I would like to thank the media and Miami Gardens police. They did good work. They did good work."
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue released the following statement:
Our hearts go out to the grieving family members and friends of the victims in this tragic incident. We are relieved to hear that an arrest was made in this case. MDFR employees at Station 38 quickly did the right thing by notifying the proper authorities. Miami Gardens PD acted swiftly and the arrest was made without any further incident.
According to police, the attack took place at their apartment in 600 block of Northwest 177th Street around 11 p.m. Saturday.
Shanalee Chambers, 29, Noel's older daughter, was wounded and rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital in the attack.
Arriving officers found one of the victims on the rear porch of the apartment, the other was inside.
Shanalee Chambers was found outside the apartment suffering from multiple wounds.
Family members told D'Oench she was struck on the back of the neck with the machete.
Neighbors told CBS4 they stayed by her side to calm her down before she was taken to the hospital.
Chambers is facing two counts of First Degree Murder and one count of attempted first degree Murder with a deadly weapon.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by the family for help with funeral expenses.
