A woman who hosted a French exchange student ten years ago and recently let him move back in was allegedly attacked by the man.
Police said Pierre Franchi, 29, attacked 66-year-old Sue Ann Montfort in the early Friday morning because demons were after her, the Palm Beach Post reported.
In an attack that lasted for nearly 10 hours, Franchi allegedly shouted “demons are coming after you,” as he repeatedly choked and assaulted Montfort.
Using cords from the blinds in her bedroom, Franchi allegedly choked her before grabbing a pillow , attempting to smother her. He then hit her over the head with a hand-held mirror, a police report obtained by the Sun Sentinel said.
"I have to protect you," Franchi told her, according to the report. "I have to kill the demons."
Montfort had a "motherly affection" for Franchi, the report said.
After his exchange program ended, the two stayed in touch. Earlier this year, Franchi moved in with Montfort after living in California. According to his Facebook page, Franchi was born in Marseille, France.
Franchi allegedly broke Montfort's cellphone at the time of the attack, afraid she would call for help. Fighting off the man, Montfort fell to the floor, where Franchi ordered her to bow to him, police said.
Montfort escaped to the bathroom where she stayed for hours. When she attempted to yell for help through a window, Franchi blared music to drown her out, the report said.
Franchi eventually left, allegedly stealing the woman's car and purse before being apprehended by police.
Montfort told Boynton Beach officers that his behavior may have been triggered by a fight earlier in the night. Montfort confronted Franchi over a wet towel over a chair which prompted an hour-long argument before she went to bed. Three hours later, he allegedly attacked her.
The woman told police Franchi is often prone to rants, spurts of unprompted laughter and excessive chatter.
Franchi is currently being held at the Palm Beach County Jail. He faces charges including aggravated battery on a person over 65, false imprisonment, grand theft and depriving use of 911. Late Monday, he remained behind bars in lieu of $30,000 bail, jail records show.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.