Three people have been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of three friends on a fishing trip at a lake in Polk County, Florida, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, as reported by outlets including the Daily Mail and CBS News.
Authorities say Tony, 26, who goes by TJ, his girlfriend Mary, 27, and his brother Robert, 21, were taken into custody on Monday after officials found them living in an isolated trailer. Sheriff Judd said the victims were Damion, 23, Brandon, 27, and Keven, 30. He called the crime scene horrific and said it ranks among the worst he has seen.
According to the sheriff, the suspects overheard the men talking about their fishing plans at a local discount store and followed them to a remote lake. Authorities say the dispute started over a truck deal gone wrong, with TJ accusing one of the men of taking the engine out of his truck. Police say that when the man denied it, shots were fired.
CBS News reported that two of the men died at the scene, while Brandon was able to call his father for help. The sheriff said his father arrived within about ten minutes and found him dying next to his friends. Judd said the father was taken to the hospital later that day and is not doing well.
Investigators say a receipt left at the scene and the store’s surveillance video led them to the suspects. The sheriff also said Robert cleaned his truck the next day in an attempt to hide evidence.
Polk County deputies charged TJ with three counts of first degree murder. Mary was charged with three counts of accessory to murder, and Robert was charged with three counts of accessory to murder and tampering with evidence. All three are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, and the cases were still pending at the time of this report.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the three men.
Made to order and shipped to your door.
