Sheriff: Girl, 13, was stabbed to death by stranger while walking to friend’s house

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Sheriff John Mina shared new details Friday morning about the murder of a 13-year-old girl.

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The sheriff said Jerry Dorisme, 27, is facing first-degree murder charges for the killing of Rose Dieujuste.

Mina shared tragic details about Rose’s final moments and how detectives made the arrest.

He described the killing as random and senseless.

The sheriff said Dorisme didn’t know Rose but was familiar with the area.

He had lived there before and went to a barber near the complex where Rose was killed.

Deputies released surveillance video earlier this week, which helped lead to Dorisme’s arrest.

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Mina said a considerable number of community tips helped them find Dorisme -- even his own father called in to identify him.

Neighbors told deputies they had seen Dorisme watching girls in the area before.

On July 4, the sheriff said Rose was heading to a friend’s house in the complex where she lived.

On her way there, Dorisme followed her and then attacked her, Mina said.

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Watch the full news conference below:

Deputies said they found Rose in a utility closet, partially naked, stabbed, and barely alive.

“Her friend found Rose’s cellphone and shoes in the staircase in that apartment building and reached out to Rose’s family,” Mina said. “And the family member was knocking on doors to see if they could find Rose. And then they entered the utility closet and ultimately found rose in that closet.”

Rose attended Memorial Middle School and the sheriff said many in the community are also mourning the loss.

WATCH: Video shows ‘person of interest’ in 13-year-old Orange County girl’s murder

As for Dorisme, the sheriff said he said nothing when he was arrested, even though he spent eight hours with detectives.

Records show he has several previous arrests, including lewd and lascivious behavior and a conviction for child abuse.

Channel 9 is working to gather more details and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

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Surveillance video released of person of interest in 13-year-old Orange County girl’s murder The Orange County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday afternoon released surveillance footage of a person of interest in the killing of a 13-year-old girl. (WFTV)

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