A homicide investigation is underway in Lake Wales after a 71-year-old man was found with a fatal stab wound to his chest yesterday morning. According to WFLA, the Lake Wales Police Department received reports of the stabbing around 6:19 a.m. at a residence on Ashton Palms Drive.

Officers arriving at the scene attempted to render aid before the victim was rushed to Lake Wales Advent Health. Despite their efforts, reported by FOX 13 News, the man succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Investigators identified the suspect as 49-year-old Mihaela Mallen, promptly taking her into custody and charging her with second-degree murder.

The investigation, which is still ongoing, involved detectives piecing together the events that led to the stabbing. As WTSP details, the police department has yet to release the motive behind the incident or any information regarding the relationship between Mallen and the victim. Mallen was taken to the Polk County Jail following her arrest.

"Investigators say they were able to identify 49-year-old Mihaela Mallen as the suspect," according to the statement provided by the Lake Wales Police Department obtained by FOX 13 News. The authorities have not yet divulged further details at this time regarding her connection to the victim or the circumstances surrounding the stabbing, indicating a meticulous approach to analyze the crime scene, preserving the integrity of their findings.