Woman from Ocala allegedly stabbed boyfriend with steak knife during argument

A 22-year-old Ocala woman was arrested for assault after she allegedly stabbed her boyfriend with a steak knife during an argument that escalated into a physical fight.

On Tuesday, August 27, a Marion County Sheriff's deputy was dispatched to a residence after receiving reports of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the male victim, who informed him that his girlfriend, Leila Maria Musante, had attempted to stab him with a steak knife, according to the arrest report.

During the interview with the deputy, the report stated that the victim was “extremely emotional.” The victim also claimed that Musante had hit him in the past.

In the report, the officer noted that there was a small puncture wound on the victim's right hand and a small cut on his right forearm was bleeding. The victim refused any medical attention.

The officer made contact with Musante and noticed blood on her shirt. She initially claimed it was from when the victim allegedly hit her head against the wall. The report stated Musante did not have any bumps, bruises, abrasion or cuts on her head.

Musante allegedly admitted to “using the knife” during the incident with the victim, but claimed it was in self-defense. Due to the victim's injuries, Musante's lack of injuries, the blood on her shirt, and her alleged spontaneous admission regarding the knife, she was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail.

During a prison interview following the Miranda revelation, Musante claimed she did not stab the victim with a knife.

Musante is currently being held without bail in the Marion County Jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

According to prison records, no court date has been scheduled yet.