The Florida Highway patrol took a man into custody on Oct. 29 in connection with the killing of an 18-year-old Columbia County woman. The teenager’s body was discovered in a Rivera Beach hotel room. Police determined that she had been shot. The man was arrested outside a Jacksonville medical facility. Photographs posted on social media are said to show the man being placed in handcuffs while wearing a hospital gown and mask. He has been charged with manslaughter and is being held without bond at the Duval County Pretrial Detention Facility.
Wellness check prompts police search
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies began searching for the victim on Oct. 26 when her parents called to request a wellness check. Initial reports indicate that the woman was seen leaving her home with an unidentified man. Rivera Beach Police Department officers joined the search when the victim was traced to a Palm Beach County hotel. Law enforcement has not released any statements regarding a possible motive for the crime.
Clothing brand founder
What reports do reveal is the man was once involved with the launch of a popular line of clothing. He is credited with coining the company’s catchphrase, and he sold his share in the company for $57 million in 2013. A press statement released by the man’s attorneys suggests that he will be transferred to Palm Beach County following his Duval County court appearance. The attorneys say that the man plans to plead not guilty and will seek bail.
Bail in murder cases
The penalties for violent crimes like murder and manslaughter are severe in Florida, which means that the individuals accused of committing them have a strong incentive to flee. Bail is often denied in these cases, and judges tend to set high bond amounts when it is granted. If you are accused of committing a violent crime, an experienced criminal law attorney may argue for a more reasonable bond amount at your arraignment hearing by mentioning your ties to the community or the challenges that your dependents would face if you were unable to provide for them. An attorney might also suggest electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration.