Florida Pastor Fatally Stabbed in ‘Unprovoked’ Attack

Homeless suspect had been staying in victim’s church

In an act of brutal violence, a northwest Miami-Dade church lost a beloved pastor and self-described “community activist” whose efforts to “model Christ in a practical way” made him a symbol of hope in a city better known for poverty and corruption.

Pastor Antwane “AD” Lenoir, 41, was found stabbed to death on Saturday, April 6, at Westview Baptist Church in Opa-locka, Florida, where he had served as senior pastor since 2009.

The following day, police arrested a suspect—a homeless man Lenoir had been trying to help—and charged him with first-degree murder. An arrest report obtained by NBC 6 said James Dawkins, 44, stabbed Lenoir multiple times in the neck “without any provocation” before fleeing on foot.

Yovonka Bryant, the victim’s cousin, said Lenoir had been allowing Dawkins, who played the keyboard at Westview Baptist, to live in the building, but Dawkins became angry when Lenoir tried to end the arrangement.

“It’s crazy that you can be the helping to someone, and they end up turning on you,” she said.

Darryl Thomas, who identified himself as a close friend of the victim, corroborated Bryant’s story.

“Pastor Lenoir was trying to basically tell him he had to find somewhere else because he wasn’t doing right by the rules and regulations that he gave him to stay here,” he said. “That’s when everything turned to the left and we’re at this situation right now.”

The attack occurred after Lenoir went to the church with a locksmith to change the locks. There the suspect allegedly confronted him and engaged in an argument that escalated to violence.

Many leaders and community members responded to the tragic news by celebrating the life of the well-known and well-loved pastor, who leaves behind a wife and four children.

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“He was not a stranger to anyone; if you didn’t know him, he would make sure you got to know him,” said Eric Cummings, who serves on the executive committee of the Florida Baptist Convention, of which Westview is a member. “If there was an opportunity to do something for or learn more about engaging and impacting the community, he was there. I am heartbroken over his death and praying for his wife, children and church family as they navigate this tragedy.”

Lenoir’s influence went beyond the Southern Baptist Convention-affiliated FBC as he sought to make a mark in the community. He initiated an after-school program, a tutoring ministry and a summer camp to help local children, he “adopted” a low-income apartment building and provided support services to its tenants, and he served as a chaplain with the North Miami Police Department.

“We want to reach our community and invest whatever resources we have into them,” Lenoir said in a 2019 article about his outreaches. “We are trying to model Christ in a practical way.”

The day after Lenoir’s death, Ope-locka Mayor John H. Taylor honored him in a Facebook post.

“The City of Opa-locka grieves the loss of a Noble Man and friend. We were blessed to have this Great Man as apart of our community, serving in many capacities to ensure that our residents had a voice,” Taylor said. “As a unified body we pray that God strengthens his family, friends and ministry through these trying time (sic). The legacy that Pastor A.D Lenoir leaves behind will live on. Thank you for your service. You will be missed.”