The devastated father, Beni Bulubenchi, told police that he immediately pounced on his brother-in-law, Emanuel Fluter, and wrestled to seize the weapon and got injured doing so.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on September 21, 2021. It has since been updated.
Like any child her age, 3-year-old Josephine Bulubenchi was busy playing with her four brothers and four sisters on a Saturday afternoon when something unexpected happened. Her maternal uncle, Emanuel Fluter, allegedly grabbed the little child, slit her throat, and killed her at their Clinton County, Kentucky home. Josephine's father happened to be at home at the time of the murder and only became aware of the grim reality when it was too late. Per INSIDE EDITION, Beni Bulubenchi heard his daughter's scream through the baby monitor and rushed to their room only to find Fluter holding a knife.
The devastated father told police that he immediately pounced on his brother-in-law and wrestled to seize the weapon and got injured doing so, reports PEOPLE. Emergency services were informed shortly after and Josephine was transported to a hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries. Fluter, who was 33 when the incident happened in 2018, was arrested according to Clinton County Sheriff Jim Guffey. He was initially charged with two counts of first-degree assault and four counts of wanton endangerment, but the charges were upgraded to murder when the toddler died. His bond was set at $1 million. The reason behind Fluter's deadly attack isn't clear and authorities revealed that he was too combative and violent to even take a mugshot.
The child's brutal death left everyone shocked, including Sheriff Guffey who described Josephine's murder as "the most horrendous crime" he has ever encountered in his 15 years on the job. A GoFundMe page was set up shortly after to support the Bulubenchi family through the unimaginably tough time and to help them transport the child's body to Michigan for a funeral. "The family of Beni and Simona Bulubenchi from Kentucky are going through a tragedy. One of their nine children, Josephine Mia (4 years old) has passed away Sunday, December 9th, leaving behind a heartbroken family," read the page.
"The family would like to transport the body of the little girl to Michigan for funeral services. We would like to help cover the transport and funeral expenses," it continued. The post concluded with a verse from Galatians 6:9,10 which read, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith...God bless everyone." The fundraiser quickly arranged $76,648 for the family, who revealed the reason behind transporting their little girl to Michigan. "To put everyone’s questions at ease... we do plan on moving to Michigan and that’s why our sweet Baby Girl Josephine was buried there," they explained.
They went on to reveal that Josephine was left brain dead following the incident despite doctors doing their best to save her. "As for some that may not know in that crazy night we rushed Josephine to the emergency room in town trying hard to save her life the doctors did an awesome job fixing her to last the flight with the Helicopter to the UK emergency surgery room where Josephine did not have oxygen going to her brain, so after a few hours, the doctors came and told us the devastating news "dead brain" she left for Heaven and left us with Only memories," it read.
Although the money helped her parents, Ben & Simona Bulubench, with the bills, they knew it couldn't bring their precious baby back. "So most of this money that was raised may be going to the Helicopter bill that we have not yet seen. Dear friends We would give anything to have Josephine back, but I know it’s not God's plan. Money doesn’t buy life, money doesn’t bring happiness..... May God Bless each and every one of you!" they expressed.
References:
https://people.com/crime/kentucky-girl-throat-slit-uncle/
Cover image source: GoFundMe | Josephine Mia Bulubenchi
