The vibrant life of 27-year-old Hailey Hosford was cut short in a shocking act of violence that has left her community in mourning. The Florida hairstylist and yoga retreat organizer was found stabbed to death in the parking garage of The Retreat at Sawgrass Village, a luxury apartment complex in Sunrise, in the early hours of May 28.
According to police reports, the attack occurred around 1:30 a.m. as Hosford was preparing to leave in her rental car. Surveillance footage showed 21-year-old Jackson Julian Sagesse Jr. approaching her vehicle armed with a knife. Witnesses described a frantic struggle as Hosford attempted to seek safety in her car, but Sagesse allegedly forced his way inside.
The situation escalated when a male friend of Hosford’s returned to the scene from a nearby apartment. During the confrontation, Sagesse reportedly stabbed the friend in the throat before fleeing. Despite his injury, the friend managed to alert authorities. Officers arriving at the scene found Hosford inside her black Mercedes-Benz with multiple stab wounds to her neck and throat. She was pronounced dead at 2:01 a.m.
Investigators recovered two steak knives – one from the car’s front seat and another from Sagesse’s pocket. Blood evidence and missing kitchen knives from Sagesse’s mother’s apartment helped build the case against him. After his arrest, Sagesse allegedly confessed to the stabbing but offered unclear explanations for his actions, claiming self-defense without specifying any threat.
Friends remember Hosford as a radiant spirit who owned a Fort Lauderdale salon and organized wellness retreats. “She brought light everywhere she went,” said friend Erica Rheingold. A GoFundMe campaign for funeral expenses has raised over $14,500, with the family requesting attendees avoid black clothing to honor Hosford’s joyful nature.
