A man has been arrested following the stabbing death of Pastor A.D. Lenoir at a Miami-Dade church over the weekend. Miami-Dade Police confirm that 44-year-old James Walter Dawkins is facing charges for first-degree murder after the incident at Westview Baptist Church. Lenoir, who also worked as a security guard, was found with fatal stab wounds to his neck, according to Local 10.
Police and fire rescue were dispatched to the church, located at 13301 NW 24th Ave., around 5:31 p.m. Saturday. They found the 41-year-old pastor, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials say Lenoir had arranged to change several door locks on the church premises and was there with a locksmith when he got into a verbal altercation with Dawkins, who reportedly lives on the property. Dawkins is accused to have then stabbed the pastor multiple times without any provocation before fleeing the scene.
Dawkins was apprehended on Sunday in the area of Northwest 62nd Street and Northwest 27th Avenue in Miami. After being read his Miranda Rights, Dawkins gave a statement regarding his involvement in the stabbing. According to investigators, his account did not align with evidence found during the investigation. As of Monday, Dawkins is being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, as stated by NBC Miami.
In memory of Pastor Lenoir, Opa-locka Mayor John H. Taylor shared his condolences on Facebook. "The City of Opa-locka grieves the loss of a Noble Man and friend. We were blessed to have this Great Man as apart of our community, serving in many capacities to ensure that our residents had a voice," he wrote. "As a unified body we pray that God strengthens his family, friends and ministry through these trying time. The legacy that Pastor A.D Lenoir leaves behind will live on. Thank you for your service. You will be missed," Mayor Taylor told NBC Miami.
The motive behind the stabbing remains unclear, and the authorities continue their investigation into this violent act that has jarred the local community.
