Orange County mental health counselor, 44, killed in stabbing by former client, deputies say

Therapist killed, another critically hurt in stabbing, deputies say

Authorities have released new details about a deadly stabbing in Fairview Shores, where a therapist was killed and another person critically injured, according to deputies.

ORLANDO, Fla. - An Orange County Licensed Mental Health Counselor was killed in a stabbing that took place at her work, Monday night. The suspect is believed to be her former client, deputies confirmed.

Orange County deputies responded to a building in the 900 block of Lee Road around 9 p.m. Deputies reported a woman had died, and a man was in critical condition after a stabbing on Jan. 19. 

What we know:

Law enforcement surrounded the area with crime scene tape and officers were seen entering and exiting. 

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1 injury, 1 death reported

A woman, later identified as Rebecca White, 44, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. White was transported to the hospital and died from her injuries. 

The man who was stabbed by the suspect – a patient of White's who was attending a therapy session, deputies said – was transported to the hospital and underwent surgery. The sheriff's office reported that the man – described to be in his 30s – is expected to recover. 

Who is the suspect? 

Investigators identified Michael Smith, 39, as the man who attacked White and her client. 

Deputies said Smith entered the office around 9 p.m. – after her session with the stabbing victim ended – and demanded to speak with White. She reportedly asked him to leave before calling 911, the sheriff's office said. 

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Smith pulled out a knife and attacked White and the man, deputies said. 

At 7:45 a.m. Tuesday morning, deputies responded to the area of 9000 block of Windy Ridge Road, finding Smith dead by apparent suicide, the sheriff's office said.