MIAMI, Fla. – An investigation continues nearly two weeks after the fatal stabbing of Christian Obumseli, and there has been no arrest.
Local 10 News has learned that the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office is now looking into the case. However, there has been no announcement of possible charges.
Obumseli, just a week away from celebrating his 28th birthday, was stabbed to death by his girlfriend, 25-year-old Courtney Clenney.
Local 10 News spoke with the Obumseli family on Thursday. They said they want justice for the death of their loved one. Meanwhile, the attorney representing the Instagram influencer says she acted in self-defense.
His family feels otherwise.
“My son was just treated like nobody,” said Chio Obumseli, Christian’s mother. “I just want justice.”
City of Miami police said there was a struggle between Obumseli and Clenney before she stabbed him in the shoulder inside their Miami condominium on April 3. He later died in the hospital.
“The detective assigned to this case has already reached a conclusion in their mind that there was no basis for an arrest. That is inexcusable,” Larry Hanfield, the attorney for the Obumseli family, said.
Shortly after the stabbing, video posted by TMZ that was captured by a neighbor showed Clenney covered in blood, handcuffed on the floor of their luxury Miami apartment. Investigators are now trying to determine if she acted in self-defense.
“We have no cause to believe that this was an act of self-defense,” said Karen Egbura, cousin of the deceased.
Hanfield said, too, that there is no evidence to corroborate her allegation that she acted in self-defense. “And that is her problem,” he said.
Hanfield said they have gathered evidence from independent witnesses to indicate that Clenney was the aggressor, a claim her attorney adamantly denies, saying that she was a victim of repeated domestic violence and acted out of fear for her life.
“I am confident that once a thorough investigation is concluded that she will be held to account for her actions,” Hanfield said.
Local 10 News reached out to the attorney representing Clenney and requested an interview. The request was denied. Clenney’s attorney did send a statement, which read:
“Since the events of that tragic night, Courtney has been filled with absolute grief and despair. Courtney is mourning the loss of Mr. Obumseli, in private, out of respect for his family. There is nothing we can say to alleviate the pain his family is going through; however, their calls for justice and an arrest in this matter are misplaced. Justice in this matter calls for no arrest or charges. It is absolutely irresponsible for the family’s attorney (who was not present and has not seen the evidence in this case) to allege that the detective’s decision not to make an arrest is “inexcusable.” The City of Miami Police Department thoroughly investigated this matter and reviewed all the evidence in making their determination. There is competent and substantial evidence that Courtney is the victim of domestic violence and possibly human trafficking. There is no doubt the two of them had a tumultuous relationship; moreover, there is evidence that Courtney was a victim of physical, emotional, and mental abuse at the hands of Obumseli. That night was no different and Courtney had the right to defend herself out of fear for her life. Courtney cooperated with the investigators and her actions were clearly self-defense.”
Clenney was detained after the stabbing and while talking to police she threatened to take her own life. She was then Baker Acted.