Marie Roseme Obituary, Death – A woman who was pushed into the Miami River earlier this week has died, according to Miami police. The victim, identified as 39-year-old Marie Roseme, passed away on Thursday following the violent incident that took place on Tuesday.
Police have arrested 47-year-old William Bill Youmans Jr., a homeless man, in connection with the case. Initially charged with second-degree attempted murder, authorities say that charge is expected to be upgraded now that Roseme has died.
According to investigators, the incident happened during a heated confrontation between Roseme and Youmans along the riverbank. Witnesses reported that the two were arguing intensely and throwing items at each other when the situation escalated. During the dispute, Youmans allegedly pushed Roseme into the river.
Miami Fire Rescue divers responded to the scene around 11:08 a.m. Tuesday and found Roseme unconscious in the water. She was pulled out and rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition, where she was placed on life support. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries two days later.
Police said a teenager witnessed the entire altercation from beneath the Southwest First Street Bridge. The teen saw the argument escalate and called 911 immediately after seeing Youmans push Roseme into the river. The teen also kept an eye on Youmans and helped guide police to his location, assisting in his arrest shortly after the incident.
Another person also witnessed the altercation and confirmed the two had been fighting before Roseme was pushed. This witness, who frequents the nearby park near 114 SW North River Drive, said she had seen Roseme there regularly.
Following his arrest, Youmans was taken to the Miami Police Department’s Homicide Office for questioning. However, police noted extremely erratic and disturbing behavior during the interrogation. According to the arrest report, Youmans began screaming uncontrollably, punching walls, and at one point, engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior in the interview room. The behavior forced detectives to end the interview prematurely.
Authorities then officially booked Youmans on a charge of second-degree attempted murder, which is now expected to be revised to a more serious charge in light of Roseme’s death.
Miami police also confirmed that Roseme and Youmans were acquainted in some capacity, though they have not yet provided details about their relationship or its history.
In the aftermath of the incident, police temporarily closed part of Southwest North River Drive to secure the area, gather evidence, and interview witnesses. The investigation remains ongoing.
As of Friday afternoon, Youmans was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. No bond had yet been set. Police are urging anyone with more information about the case to come forward as they continue piecing together the events that led to the fatal encounter.