Miami Gardens, December 8, 2025
Two Florida Memorial University football players have been arrested for their involvement in a violent home invasion robbery at a dormitory. The incident occurred when a student was assaulted after responding to a knock on his door, leading to the theft of personal belongings. The players are facing serious charges, raising safety concerns within the university community.
Miami Gardens, Florida
Violent Home Invasion at Florida Memorial University
Two Florida Memorial University football players have been arrested in connection with a violent home invasion robbery at a campus dormitory.
The incident took place on Wednesday night when a student was attacked inside his dorm room at Goode Hall on the Miami Gardens campus. The victim, who was in the shower around 10 p.m., answered a knock at his door and encountered 18-year-old linebacker Lelend Johnson. Shortly after, he was joined by 21-year-old defensive back Russell Stroud Jr. and two unidentified individuals, all dressed in black clothing and ski masks. The suspects forcibly entered the room, struck the victim with a handgun, and stole his bookbag containing school supplies and his high school diploma. The victim was also physically assaulted multiple times. He later sought medical attention at a local hospital.
Details of Arrests and Upcoming Legal Proceedings
Johnson and Stroud were arrested on Thursday and charged with home invasion robbery with aggravated battery. Both appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy Glazer. Judge Glazer denied bond for Stroud due to the gravity of the charges and ordered him to have no contact with the victim. In contrast, Johnson was not found to have probable cause for the charges, prompting a hearing to be scheduled for Saturday morning. Johnson’s legal representative highlighted that he has no prior criminal history and maintains a 3.0 GPA while on a football scholarship at FMU.
Community Concerns and University Response
Florida Memorial University has refrained from making any public comments regarding the incident or the subsequent arrests. This lack of communication has raised concerns among students and faculty regarding safety on campus. With shared spaces and close living quarters, many community members are grappling with fears about security measures and the university’s commitment to ensuring safety for its residents.
Similar Incidents in Florida
This case is part of a concerning trend in Florida involving college football players and violent crimes. Earlier incidents include the arrest of a University of Central Florida football player in January 2023, as well as a previous case involving a University of Florida athlete in April 2015 who faced charges following an armed robbery.
Impact and Recommendations for Community Involvement
As the Miami Gardens Police Department continues its investigation into this troubling event, authorities are reaching out for public assistance in identifying the two additional unidentified suspects involved in the robbery. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and engagement in fostering a safe environment for all residents, particularly within university settings.
Conclusion
The arrest of two Florida Memorial University football players in connection with a violent home invasion robbery has raised significant concerns within the university community. The ongoing investigation highlights the need for active community participation in promoting safety and security on campus. Members of the public with any information regarding the case are encouraged to reach out to local law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the home invasion at Florida Memorial University?
On Wednesday night, a student was attacked and robbed inside his dorm room at Goode Hall on the university’s Miami Gardens campus. The victim, who was showering around 10 p.m., answered a knock at his door and encountered 18-year-old linebacker Lelend Johnson. Upon opening the door, Johnson was joined by 21-year-old defensive back Russell Stroud Jr. and two unidentified individuals, all wearing black clothing and ski masks. The suspects forcibly entered the room, struck the victim with a handgun, and stole his bookbag containing school supplies and his high school diploma. The victim was also punched multiple times during the incident. He later sought medical attention at a local hospital.
What charges have been filed against the arrested football players?
Johnson and Stroud were arrested on Thursday and charged with home invasion robbery with aggravated battery. Both appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy Glazer. Judge Glazer denied bond for Stroud, citing the severity of the charges, and ordered him to have no contact with the victim. Regarding Johnson, the judge did not find probable cause for the charges and scheduled another hearing for Saturday morning. Johnson’s attorney stated that he has no criminal history and is a 3.0 GPA student on a football scholarship at FMU.
Has Florida Memorial University commented on the incident?
Florida Memorial University has not publicly commented on the incident or the arrests as of now.
What is the background of Florida Memorial University?
Florida Memorial University is a private historically Black university located in Miami Gardens, Florida. The institution offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.
What other similar incidents have occurred in Florida involving college football players?
This case follows a series of similar incidents involving college football players in Florida. In January 2023, a University of Central Florida football player was arrested for a violent home invasion in downtown Orlando. In April 2015, a University of Florida football player faced charges after an armed robbery at a Gainesville apartment.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Goode Hall, Florida Memorial University, Miami Gardens, Florida |
| Victim | FMU student, attacked and robbed in his dorm room |
| Suspects | 18-year-old linebacker Lelend Johnson, 21-year-old defensive back Russell Stroud Jr., and two unidentified individuals |
| Charges | Home invasion robbery with aggravated battery |
| Legal Proceedings | Bond denied for Stroud; probable cause hearing scheduled for Johnson |
| University Response | No public comment as of now |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; seeking information from the public |
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