Gainesville woman on pre-trial release arrested for stabbing man in dispute over rent payment

Staff report

Updated on May 27 with pre-trial detention information.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Larina Yvette Jones, 39, was arrested yesterday for allegedly stabbing a man during an argument over a rent payment.

At about 1:09 p.m. on May 14, Gainesville Police Department officers responded to a home in the 1900 block of NW 32nd Place, where the victim said he was arguing with Jones over unpaid rent when Jones said she would not leave the home. The victim said he went outside, and when he came back inside to get something, Jones stabbed him in the head and shoulder.

Officers reportedly found a knife matching the description provided by the victim and saw blood spatter on a wall. A witness reportedly said that Jones has disliked the victim for some time, and they often get into heated arguments.

Post Miranda, Jones reportedly admitted to being in a heated argument about not paying rent, but she denied having any weapons during the argument.

Jones has been charged with aggravated battery causing bodily harm. She has four felony convictions (non-violent), seven misdemeanor convictions (non-violent), and one criminal traffic conviction; she has served one state prison sentence and was released in 2024. She was arrested in July 2025 for drug possession and was also booked on a warrant for stabbing a different victim; she is released after posting bail in the drug case, but the stabbing case was dropped.

Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered her held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold her without bail until trial. On May 27, Judge Denise Ferrero granted the motion and ordered Jones held without bail until trial.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.