‘It just crushed us': Woman killed by ex in North Lauderdale double stabbing: BSO

A family is remembering a woman who was stabbed to death in North Lauderdale by a man who police said was her ex-boyfriend over the weekend, as her daughter who was also stabbed recovers at a hospital.

Investigators said Maguy Pouye was killed early Saturday morning when 56-year-old Vital Joseph broke into her home on Runner’s Way and stabbed her and her daughter, Isabelle Joseph.

Pouye died at the hospital.

Family Photo

Family Photo

Her cousin, Jean-Pierre Gaston, remembered her as a "vibrant, most amazing person. She lights up a room.”

“It just crushed us and our whole family,” he said. “I just couldn’t speak at the moment...my heart dropped. I felt like all my organs dropped.”

Isabelle Joseph survived and is now in stable condition, according to family who said she’s awake and able to talk.

Maguy’s sister, Kimberly Gaynor, was overwhelmed with grief.

“For somebody to do something so cruel to her, I can’t,” she said, and began to cry as Gaston held her close.

The Broward Sheriff's Office said Joseph was arrested and charged late Saturday night by Palm Bay Police. He faces several charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and burglary of a dwelling with a battery.

Family members sent Ring camera video which they say shows Joseph entering the home around the time of the stabbing. Then about three minutes later, video shows him running out.

Officials have not confirmed if Joseph is the man in the video.

Family members said the couple hadn’t been together in about a year.

“He’s a coward,” Gaston said. “Just a coward, coward move.”

Gaston said Maguy was a mother of five and a grandmother. Her killing has left her family leaning on each other, praying for Isabelle’s recovery and for justice.

“I just pray and hope that the justice system prevails with this situation,” Gaston said.

A GoFundMe was established to help Pouye and her family. Click here.