Former Student Accused of Poisoning Neighbors' Baby in Bitter Dispute

A former doctoral student from the University of South Florida allegedly injected toxic substances into his neighbors' apartment, leaving their newborn sickened, according to court records.

The accused, Xuming Li, 36, was apprehended on June 27 after surveillance footage captured him on two occasions using a syringe to inject a dangerous mixture into his neighbor's home, as reported in a complaint.

Umar Abdullah, the neighbor, expressed his shock, stating, "How could someone be so callous? The incident still haunts us like the worst nightmare."

Li had complained for over a year about noise coming from the apartment above his in Tampa, Florida, after Abdullah and his wife moved in during June 2022. The tensions escalated, leading to Li contacting the police and reporting the family to the homeowners' association.

The situation took a disturbing turn in early June when the Abdullah family began experiencing noxious odors and alarming symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and eye irritation. They suspected various household issues but eventually realized they were being deliberately targeted.

Installing a hidden camera outside their front door, Abdullah captured clear footage of Li injecting the toxic substance on two separate occasions. The hazardous material was identified as a mixture of opioids, methadone, and hydrocodone.

Abdullah's daughter received medical treatment, and the homeowners' association pursued legal action against Li. He faces charges including burglary and aggravated stalking. Li, who had been pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry, did not return to the University of South Florida after the summer of 2023.