ORLANDO, Fla. – A Florida construction worker who stood accused of fatally stabbing his boss, a “proud and outspoken American and pro-Donald Trump,” has been found not guilty by reason of insanity, according to Orange County court records.
Mason Trever Toney was found not guilty Feb. 7 during a non-jury trial, according to case documents.
Toney was arrested in 2020 in the stabbing death of his boss, William Knight, 28.
The fatal stabbing was reported at a construction site at Exit 254 of Florida’s Turnpike near State Road 528.
Deputies said they found Knight dead next to an excavator with a brand new American flag over the side of his body.
Witnesses said Toney and Knight were friends outside of the workplace, and Knight picked up Toney earlier in the day. Witnesses said Toney and Knight got into an argument, possibly over their opposing views of the U.S. government.
Witnesses said they heard Knight yell for help and saw Toney repeatedly stabbing him with a trowel, according to the affidavit.
Deputies said witnesses tried to stop the attack and threw things at Toney, who jumped into a truck and drove away while calling the witnesses “terrorists.”
Toney was later taken into custody in Brevard County and placed under arrest.
A review hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 11 at the Orange County Courthouse.