A 58-year-old Florida landlord is facing felony battery charges after allegedly beating his tenant unconscious — twice — following a landlord-tenant dispute in Davie. Lennie J. Dufrene Jr. was arrested after police say he made good on a threat he openly stated in front of officers.
Threat Made Directly to Police
On June 22, Davie police responded to Dufrene’s residence after he reported his tenant was damaging the property. The tenant was taken to a medical facility under the Baker Act for a mental health evaluation.
Before officers left, Dufrene allegedly warned that if the tenant returned home after being released, “he would kill him.” Officers told him that would mean prison time.
Dufrene’s response: “Okay then I’ll just beat the s— out of him.”
Officers warned him that would also mean jail. He said nothing more.
Tenant Came Home to a Changed Lock
After being released from the facility, the tenant returned to his residence — only to find the door lock code had been changed. As he tried to get inside, Dufrene came outside and began punching him repeatedly in the face until he lost consciousness.
The tenant told investigators he woke up face down on the ground with Dufrene still on top of him, punching the back of his head. Dufrene then allegedly choked him until he lost consciousness a second time.
Found Beaten at a Wawa
After regaining consciousness, the tenant — locked out of his own home — wandered the area before ending up at a nearby Wawa convenience store. Employees called police after noticing he had been there for an extended period and appeared severely beaten.
Officers who responded recognized him from the previous day’s dispute.
Injuries and Arrest
The tenant was taken to HCA Florida University Hospital, where doctors confirmed a left orbital floor fracture and multiple nasal fractures.
Dufrene was arrested on one count of felony battery and released from Broward County Jail after posting a $15,000 bond.