Man arrested in stabbing at St. Petersburg’s Mirror Lake Library

Tavaris Maurice Cunningham, 28, was arrested on Friday for allegedly stabbing Kory Edwards during a violent incident at the Mirror Lake Community Library in St. Petersburg. Cunningham reportedly exhibited erratic behavior, prompting Edwards to ask him to calm down. In an alarming turn, Cunningham drew an 8-inch kitchen knife from his bag and stabbed Edwards multiple times, including in the chest and thigh. The attack was witnessed by several patrons and recorded on library surveillance footage.

Cunningham later claimed self-defense, asserting that Edwards was the aggressor. He has a troubling history of mental illness, including previous legal issues linked to violent behavior. Following the stabbing, Cunningham was booked into the Pinellas County jail on charges of attempted second-degree murder, with no bond set. The case raises concerns about public safety in community spaces and the need for mental health support.