A Connecticut man, who was bicycling from Maryland to Miami to propose to his girlfriend, was stabbed to death when he stopped at a McDonald's in Vero Beach, Florida for a meal, ABC News reported on Tuesday.
Kevin Adorno, 28, of Farmington, Connecticut, was stabbed by a homeless man in the parking lot of the eatery when he stopped for food and to recharge his phone. Rene Herrera Cruz, 59, was arrested on Monday night near the scene. Police said he threw a bloody 12-inch knife used during the attack in a nearby bush.
"Cruz admitted to stabbing Adorno. He stated that he thought Adorno was directing other people via cell phone to attack him and Cruz therefore felt threatened and attacked Adorno," police said, according to WPBF.
Police found an engagement ring in Adorno's pocket at the scene. He had been on the phone with his girlfriend, Elyse, when he was suddenly attacked by Cruz. His girlfriend said she heard the phone drop before a wail of sirens, The Daily Mail reported.
Adorno left home in mid-August to finish his dream of cycling down the east coast. His girlfriend had planned to fly down and meet him 20 miles from his final destination so that she could complete the journey with him. When they reached Miami, he planned to pop the question.
Police said he was stabbed in the arm and chest repeatedly. As he began losing a lot of blood, he collapsed near a bathroom. Adorno owned a graphic design business based out of Hartford, Connecticut, and his friends described him as outgoing and adventurous.
Vero Beach Police Chief David Currey said authorities had dealt with Cruz the night before the murder.
"He called us from Burger King right across the street and he told responding officers that individuals were looking for him or were after him," Currey told NBC.
Following the attack, Cruz was charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond.