Volusia County

Man accused of stabbing librarian in eye with scissors makes first court appearance

The man accused of stabbing a librarian in the eye with scissors multiple times Tuesday made his first court appearance on Wednesday.

Police said the attack appears to be completely random and unprovoked, and finding a clear motive may be difficult since the prosecution says some of the suspect’s past arrests have resulted in not guilty by insanity pleas.

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Burnian Bedford stood in court flanked by two corrections officers with his hands cuffed and wearing his orange jumpsuit and only spoke when addressed by the judge.

Police say Bedford has done little to provide an explanation for why detective say he stabbed a 63-year-old librarian four times in the eye with a pair of scissors inside the children’s section at City Island Library in front of patrons and staff.

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The bleeding librarian and staff locked themselves in a room as they waited for police while they say Bedford stood there.

Police said the librarian knew Bedford but only as someone who often came to the library, and that he even greeted her before the attack.

Bedford’s arrest records show he has 25 arrests since 1994 that range that range from theft to battery, a couple of which resulted in not guilty by reason of insanity pleas.

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The prosecutor said in court she wants Bedford to take a drug test and that he may need a mental health evaluation.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.