Trans-Identifying Man Stabs Homeless Shelter Employee Until Her ‘Internal Organs Were Exposed’

A man identifying as a woman stabbed a female homeless shelter employee until her “internal organs were exposed.”

Michell Silva Perez, 34, refused to leave a women and children’s homeless shelter in Greenville, North Carolina, around 11 a.m. on July 18, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook, which referred to Perez as a woman. Perez started arguing with the worker, who has not been identified, when he “began causing a disturbance.”

Perez then pushed the woman to the ground and stabbed her in the stomach with a sharp object, which an arrest warrant obtained by The Post and Courier described as a “sword.” Perez stabbed the woman until her “internal organs were exposed,” the Courier reported, while also repeatedly referring to Perez as a woman.

The victim was taken to a local hospital for emergency surgery, and her condition is unknown, according to GCSO spokesman Lt. Ryan Flood. Flood told the Courier that the victim was stabbed with a “sharp-edged object” but didn’t elaborate further.

Perez was arrested and charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, the Courier reported, citing arrest warrants.

A spokesperson for the shelter told Inside Edition in a statement that they were unaware that Perez identified as transgender.

“After the incident, we became aware in media reports that the former guest was transgender. Our ministry had no knowledge of this. That report, whether true or false, had no bearing on whether Miracle Hill would help, and did not contribute to the guest’s exit from the facility,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “The well-being of our staff and current guests is our top priority. We continue to work closely with authorities who are investigating the incident. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone who relies on our services. Our staff members are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support those in need, and we will continue to prioritize their safety and well-being, as we care for this vulnerable population in the Upstate. We appreciate the support and understanding of the community as we address this situation and act in response to it.”

The spokesperson also told the outlet in the statement that Perez had been “disqualified” from the shelter the night before the attack “for not following the guidelines of the facility.”

The shelter is run by Miracle Hill Ministries, a Christian organization that operates four shelters in the Greenville area – one for adult men, two for men, women, and mothers with young children, and one just for women and mothers with young children. The shelter Perez was evicted from, Shepard’s Gate on Regency Hill Drive, was the only one specifically designated for women and children.

GCSO spokesperson Flood also told the Courier that Perez is being housed with men at the Greenville County jail but is being isolated because he is still transitioning. It is unclear what Perez is actually doing as part of his transition.