A licensed mental health counsellor, Rebecca White, was killed in a stabbing attack at her office in Orlando, Florida, on January 19, 2026. The attacker, identified as Michael Smith, a former client, died by suicide the following day, according to authorities.
The incident occurred at a counselling centre in the 900 block of Lee Road. Ms. White was attacked after refusing to allow Smith into her office. He then produced a knife and stabbed her, according to investigators. She was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
A second individual was seriously injured while attempting to intervene during the assault. This person had just completed a therapy session with Ms. White. Despite his injuries, he was able to call 911, initiating the emergency response.
Deputies responding to the scene found Ms. White critically injured. On January 20, authorities discovered Smith’s body. Investigators indicated that his death appeared to be a suicide. No other suspects are being sought in connection with the attack.
In a separate incident in Minnesota, Robert Castillo was sentenced to over 33 years in prison for fatally stabbing his wife, Corinna Woodhull, during a Bible study session on March 21, 2023. Castillo pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and apologized in court, though his attorney stated he had limited recollection of the event due to drug leverage. Woodhull’s family had expressed concerns about Castillo prior to the marriage, noting his history of eight prior felony convictions, including violent crimes. The stabbing occurred after Castillo whispered something to his wife, who then shook her head “no” before he attacked her with a hunting knife.
Castillo had a warrant out for his arrest at the time of the attack after failing to appear at a court hearing related to charges of assaulting correctional officers at Stillwater state prison in 2020. He also had a prior conviction for second-degree assault stemming from an incident in 2014 where he beat another woman with a hammer.
