Botched Drug Deal Ends With Man Stabbed In Neck

A 20-year-old area man was stabbed multiple times during what authorities say was a drug deal gone bad. 

Joshua Smolko, of Lake Ellis Lane in Land O’ Lakes, drove to the Northdale home of Taylor Griffie on July 19 to sell Griffie Oxycodone, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

But authorities say Griffie and Miguel Garzon had planned on robbing Smolko. 

Smolko’s friends waited outside of the residence in a vehicle. When Smoko exited the home, authorities say, he had stab wounds to the left side of his body, including his neck. Smoko was driven by his friends to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where authorities say he was still recuperating Thursday. Griffie, 19, of Interlake Drive, was arrested July 20 and charged with attempted felony murder, armed false imprisonment, robbery with a weapon and tampering with physical evidence. He remains lodged in jail on $524,500 bond.

Garzon, 26, of Douglas Street West in Tampa, was arrested a few days later and charged with attempted murder in the first degree, armed false imprisonment, robbery with a weapon, possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana. 

Bond has not yet been set, according to records.