A disturbing incident in Miami-Dade County has resulted in the arrest of a 24-year-old man who now faces multiple charges related to domestic violence and animal cruelty. The case has drawn attention to the serious nature of domestic abuse situations that can quickly escalate, putting both humans and pets at risk in our community.
What Happened in Princeton Neighborhood
According to authorities from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, Kevin Monasterio was taken into custody on July 28, 2026, following an incident that occurred on July 11 at his residence near the 12000 block of Southwest 203rd Lane in the Princeton area. The suspect and the victim had been in a relationship for approximately one year and were living together at the time of the alleged attack.
The confrontation reportedly began around midnight when an argument erupted over the victim’s dog. What started as a verbal dispute quickly turned violent, according to investigators who detailed the harrowing sequence of events in their arrest report.
“He placed both hands around the victim’s neck and squeezed intently, causing the victim’s breathing to be impeded,” a deputy wrote in the official report describing the domestic violence incident.
Details of the Alleged Attack
The arrest report paints a troubling picture of the events that unfolded that night. Investigators allege that Monasterio first turned his aggression toward the dog, punching the animal in the face before picking it up and throwing it against a wall. After the victim attempted to protect her pet by placing it in a crate, the suspect allegedly redirected his violence toward her.
Deputies report that Monasterio repeatedly punched the victim before strangling her. He then allegedly pushed her to the ground, straddled her, and continued the choking while slamming her body against the floor. The violence against the animal continued when the suspect reportedly flipped the dog’s crate, threw it outside, and used a water hose to repeatedly spray water directly into the dog’s face in what investigators described as an attempt to simulate drowning.
A Second Violent Episode
The nightmare was not over for the victim. According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, a second altercation occurred around 7 a.m. when the victim woke up. The report indicates that Monasterio began yelling and again attacked both the dog and the victim, once more grabbing her by the neck with both hands and restricting her breathing.
Before leaving the residence to get coffee, the suspect allegedly threatened to kill both the victim and her dog if she left home without informing him. Once he departed, the victim managed to escape to a family member’s home where she contacted emergency services by calling 911.
Injuries and Charges Filed
Medical examination of the victim revealed bruising on both sides of her neck and on both upper arms as a result of the alleged domestic violence attack. These visible injuries helped document the severity of the assault she endured during the two separate incidents.
Following his arrest, Monasterio was read his Miranda rights and denied the allegations against him, according to authorities. He now faces serious legal consequences for his alleged actions:
- One count of domestic battery by strangulation
- One count of battery
- One count of cruelty to animals
- One count of assault
As of the morning of July 29, 2026, Monasterio was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a bond of $1,750.
Resources for Domestic Violence Victims in Miami
This case serves as a sobering reminder that domestic violence remains a serious issue affecting families throughout Miami-Dade County. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are resources available to help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233, providing confidential support around the clock.
Local organizations throughout South Florida also offer shelter, counseling, and legal assistance to survivors of domestic abuse. Remember that reaching out for help is the first step toward safety, and no one should have to endure violence in their own home. The Miami-Dade community stands ready to support those in need during their most vulnerable moments.
