A Florida woman’s life was nearly cut short when her boyfriend allegedly forced her to dig her own grave before strangling her at a homeless camp in Rockledge. Authorities say the terrifying ordeal took place on December 7, when 46-year-old Charles Earwood turned violent after a night of drinking.
According to deputies, Earwood came back to the camp carrying a shovel wrapped in a plastic bag, along with a pack of beer. At first, everything seemed fine—he wasn’t acting out of the ordinary. But as he drank, his mood shifted. He became angry, accusing his girlfriend of cheating, and then things took a dark turn.
“You’re going to dig your grave; that’s what the shovel is for,” he allegedly told her before throwing empty beer cans at her and getting physical.
She later told police that he choked her multiple times—so violently that she blacked out. At one point, she lost consciousness entirely. When she woke up, she knew she had to escape.
The Escape That Saved Her Life
The woman saw an opportunity when Earwood was briefly distracted by a noise. With whatever strength she had left, she made a run for it. She didn’t stop until she reached a nearby convenience store, where she found a friend who helped her call for help.
When police arrived, they quickly launched an investigation and tracked down Earwood the next day. He was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder and felony domestic battery by strangulation.
As of now, he remains in custody, waiting for his day in court.
A Harrowing Reminder of Violence in Homeless Communities
Sadly, this kind of violence isn’t uncommon among those living in homeless encampments. People experiencing homelessness are already vulnerable, and when mental illness, substance abuse, and domestic disputes come into play, the dangers only increase.
Just last year, a similar tragedy unfolded in Bradenton, Florida, when a man was arrested for burying a body at another homeless camp. Police say 59-year-old Stephen Astbury Jr. got into a fight with another homeless man and killed him, later trying to hide the crime by digging a shallow grave. (iontb.com)
These cases highlight a much bigger issue—homeless individuals often lack safety, protection, and access to resources that could prevent these violent situations.
What Can Be Done?
Addressing violence within homeless communities requires more than just arrests—it calls for real solutions. Some key steps include:
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Better access to mental health and addiction treatment: Many violent altercations stem from untreated mental health conditions or substance abuse. Expanding support services could help reduce these risks.
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More affordable housing programs: The lack of stable housing creates environments where violence can thrive. Investing in affordable housing can provide a safer alternative.
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Outreach programs for at-risk individuals: Intervention efforts that help people get back on their feet can prevent future tragedies.
Final Thoughts
What happened to this woman is horrifying, but she was lucky to escape with her life. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that exist in homeless camps and the urgent need for better solutions to protect vulnerable individuals.
With the right support and resources, we can work toward a future where stories like this become far less common.
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