Butter knife held to girl's neck by mother who used it to unlock bedroom door because she was taking too long for school, police say

Estela Torres-Henriquez, 48, faces a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after allegedly holding a butter knife to her daughter's neck in Homestead, Florida.

The incident occurred at the 500 block of SW 3rd Street. Torres-Henriquez allegedly used the butter knife to unlock her daughter's locked bedroom door because the girl was taking too long to get ready for school. According to police, Torres-Henriquez then waved the knife near the victim's face and placed it against the side of her neck. The daughter reported being in fear for her life.

The victim disclosed the incident to police at South Dade Senior High School. The girl's sister provided a similar account to officers and expressed concern that their mother might threaten her as well.

Torres-Henriquez submitted to an interview with the Homestead Police Department and the Department of Children and Families. After receiving her Miranda rights, she stated she used the butter knife only to open the bedroom door because her daughter was late for school. She denied threatening the victim with the knife or holding it near her neck.

Police arrested Torres-Henriquez and booked her into the Miami-Dade Jail on a $5,000 bond.