A licensed mental health counselor was killed in a shocking stabbing attack Monday night inside an office building in Orange County, Florida, an incident that unfolded during a therapy session and left another person critically injured. Authorities identified the victim as Rebecca White, whose death has deeply shaken colleagues, clients, and the local community.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the attack occurred at an office building on Lee Road near Adanson Street, west of Interstate 4. Investigators said White was in the middle of a therapy session with a male client when 39-year-old Michael Smith, a former client, unexpectedly entered the office and demanded to speak with her. Deputies said Smith was not scheduled to be there.
Authorities said White confronted Smith and instructed him to leave the office. As the situation escalated, the male client attempted to call 911 for help. At that point, investigators said Smith pulled out a knife and began stabbing both White and the client, triggering panic inside the building, which was hosting a large gathering at the time.
White suffered severe and life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite emergency treatment, she later died from her injuries. The second victim, a man in his 30s, was also stabbed multiple times and transported to a hospital in critical condition. Deputies said he underwent surgery and is expected to survive.
Witnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene as people inside the office building scrambled for safety. Law enforcement officers responded quickly, securing the area and launching a search for the suspect, who fled the scene following the attack. Authorities said there was no indication of a random threat to others inside the building.
Sheriff’s officials later confirmed that Michael Smith was found dead Tuesday morning near the 9000 block of Windy Ridge Road. Investigators said Smith died by suicide. Authorities emphasized that there are no outstanding suspects and no ongoing threat to the public.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active as detectives review Smith’s history, the events leading up to the attack, and any warning signs that may have preceded the violence. Officials expressed condolences to White’s family, friends, and professional community, calling the loss devastating. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office as investigators continue their work.
