Suspect in fatal Longwood bodega stabbing indicted on murder charge

The son of a Longwood bodega owner was indicted Wednesday in the fatal stabbing of Frankie Williams.

Williams, 37, was stabbed to death after police say an argument started when he was accused of stealing a beer inside a bodega.

Ronnie Torres was officially charged in the fatal stabbing. The 26-year-old was indicted on second-degree murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon for the Oct. 24 incident.

Officers stood on guard after Torres’ hearing to prevent another melee like the one seen last month where Williams’ supporters clashed with court officers. The families of the victim and defendant were also kept apart to avoid a possible altercation.

Family and friends of Williams expressed their frustration that they were forced by security to wait in the courtroom for an extra half-hour for the defendant's family to be escorted out of the building.

Torres next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 21.

News 12 has reported that Williams’ friends disputed that he stole a beer from the bodega, saying he was a frequent shopper.

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