News Summary
A tragic stabbing incident occurred at Cascades Park, where 19-year-old Octavious McCaine allegedly attacked two women before fleeing the scene. Following a manhunt, he was found deceased in a pond. The local police have increased their presence in the area, and the community is left grappling with the implications of this violent act and the need for better mental health support.
Tallahassee – A tragic incident unfolded in Cascades Park on the evening of September 10, 2025, when 19-year-old Octavious McCaine was reported to have stabbed two women, leaving the community in shock and prompting increased law enforcement presence in the area.
According to the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), they received a report at approximately 5:21 p.m. regarding McCaine, who had left his home in an agitated state and was feared to become violent. Subsequent to this report, officers began searching locations familiar to McCaine in hopes of locating him.
As officers were searching, a call was made at 7:35 p.m. for a welfare check on an individual in distress within Cascades Park. This was followed by multiple 911 calls starting around 7:39 p.m., reporting the stabbings. Officers, already on the scene, swiftly responded to address the situation.
The victims, both adult females, were promptly transported to a local hospital and are expected to survive their injuries. Meanwhile, McCaine fled the scene, climbing over a fenced retaining wall and subsequently jumping into a pond in the park. Despite swift action by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team to locate him, McCaine was pronounced deceased shortly after being recovered from the water.
Preliminary investigations indicate that McCaine was indeed the individual reported in distress and was suspected of being the assailant in the stabbings. TPD Chief Lawrence Revell expressed condolences on behalf of the department and acknowledged the swift and coordinated response from multiple emergency units during the incident.
The police announced an increase in law enforcement presence in Cascades Park following the event, aiming to reassure parkgoers amid ongoing investigations. The motive behind the stabbings remains unclear, but initial information suggests that McCaine may have been experiencing a severe mental health episode.
Eyewitness accounts describe the park being busy with joggers and families at the time of the incident. Reports indicate that bystanders heard calls to “put the knife down” as chaos ensued. A jogger witnessed McCaine attack a woman in the parking lot, highlighting the alarming nature of the events that unfolded.
Following the incident, police utilized a boat to search the pond for McCaine and issued warnings to the public regarding the active investigation. As the situation developed, authorities ultimately confirmed McCaine’s death shortly thereafter.
This alarming incident has sparked discussions throughout the community regarding the increasing violence and mental health crises faced by many individuals. Calls have arisen for better attention to mental health concerns, emphasizing the need for supportive measures in place to assist those struggling with mental health issues.
Cascades Park, known for its recreational amenities, is a prominent public space in Tallahassee, situated about a quarter-mile from the Florida Capitol. Both of the victims have not yet been identified, but they are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. The community is now left to grapple with the aftermath of this unfortunate event and its implications for public safety and mental health in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tallahassee Police Investigate Fatal Stabbing at Cascades Park
Surge in Gun Violence Alarms Tallahassee Residents
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Stabbing Call at Cascades Park
- Wikipedia: Cascades Park
- WTXL: Two Stabbed at Cascades Park
- Google Search: Cascades Park Tallahassee
- FSU News: Stabbing at Cascades Park
- Google Scholar: Tallahassee Cascades Park incident
- Tallahassee.com: Cascades Park Stabbing Leaves 2 Injured
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cascades Park
- Tallahassee Reports: Update on Cascades Stabbing
- Google News: Tallahassee Stabbing
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
