An Illinois resident has been detained at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, more than two years following an alleged incident involving a Canadian visitor outside a well-known nightclub in Miami. The event unfolded in January 2023, when the 25-year-old woman, who was in South Florida from Canada, reported meeting 39-year-old Slaven Dejanovic from Des Plaines as she departed the E11EVEN Miami nightclub.
Police from Miami Beach were later called to the Casa Boutique Hotel on Washington Avenue, where the victim was staying. She recounted that Dejanovic had offered her a lift back to her hotel, as she was reluctant to pay for an Uber due to her intoxicated state and accepted his offer as he seemed amicable. The victim alleged that during the car ride, she fell asleep and awoke to Dejanovic assaulting her through digital penetration. Despite her attempts to fend him off, she claimed he persisted multiple times before reaching the hotel.
The hotel manager corroborated her discomfort, noting that Dejanovic was observed hugging her at the hotel’s entrance, after which she sought assistance, asserting she had been assaulted. The victim, who often accepted rides from strangers in her hometown, did not initially perceive any risk in leaving with Dejanovic. Due to her intoxication, she drifted in and out of consciousness on the ride and feared for her safety.
Detectives were aided by the hotel manager, who provided Dejanovic’s license plate, facilitating the victim’s identification of him in a photo lineup. During a phone conversation with detectives on October 10, 2023, Dejanovic claimed to be abroad on vacation, promising to meet after the holiday season, yet expressed confusion about the allegations. His claims were viewed skeptically, given the evidence from the hotel manager and the victim’s identification. Despite his initial agreement, he repeatedly ignored subsequent calls from detectives.
Dejanovic was eventually apprehended in Chicago and extradited to Miami-Dade County, where he remains in custody on a $10,000 bond.
Impact on Daily Life
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and caution, particularly when accepting rides from strangers. It serves as a reminder for the community to prioritize safety, especially in nightlife settings where impaired judgment can increase vulnerability. The case also highlights the critical role of hotel staff and other witnesses in providing crucial information that aids law enforcement and the judicial process.
For local businesses and law enforcement, this situation could impact how safety protocols are approached in Miami’s nightlife and hospitality sectors. Establishments may consider enhanced security measures and customer awareness programs to prevent similar occurrences. Furthermore, the legal proceedings from this case may influence future policies and reinforce community awareness about personal safety and reporting suspicious behavior.