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A Florida man was arrested after human remains were discovered inside two suitcases in a remote area, authorities said.
According to Brevard County Sheriff’s Office booking records, Lucas Sander Jones, 19, of Indialantic, was initially arrested on charges including tampering with evidence, abuse of a dead human body and improper disposal of human remains. He was released after posting a $7,500 bond, records show.
Jail records indicate Jones was later re-arrested and is now being held without bond on a charge of second-degree murder.
Police said the investigation began on March 28, when officers responded to a call in Palm Bay to an area known locally as "The Compound," a largely undeveloped tract of land in Central Florida.
Lucas Jones was arrested Sunday and booked into the Brevard County Jail on charges including abuse of a dead human body, improper disposal of human remains, and tampering with evidence in a criminal proceeding. His charges were upgraded to pre-meditated murder. (WOFL-TV)
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According to a police affidavit obtained by FOX 35 Orlando, upon arrival, authorities observed vultures circling and discovered an abandoned black suitcase. Inside, they found human remains, investigators said.
A second suitcase containing additional remains was located nearby, according to police. Detectives later identified Jones as a person of interest after finding an Amazon package with his name and address in one of the abandoned suitcases.
Police executed a search warrant at Jones’ home, where they made contact with Jones and his girlfriend. Authorities said that Jones had visible injuries, and he declined to speak with investigators.
Authorities were notified about vultures surrounding an abandoned closed suitcase in the area of 1574 Bonbardier Boulevard on March 28, around 10:50 a.m. This is in an undeveloped 2,784-acre area in Palm Bay, known as "The Compound." (WOFL-TV)
During a search of the home, officers found blood stains and a knife like one recovered from a suitcase.
Whose body was in the suitcase?
Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the identity of the victim. However, WFTV reported that police believe the remains that were found were associated with 28-year-old Colie Lee Daniel.
Daniel was reported missing on March 22.
According to the affidavit, Jones' girlfriend told police she last saw Daniel on March 20 at Jones’ residence, appearing unconscious. She said Jones later told her Daniel had left the home.
The following day, she said Jones asked her to drive him to The Compound, where she saw him discard containers and other items.
Officers found one suitcase that was lying in tall grass and emitting an odor, Fox News affiliate WOFL-TV reported. (WOFL-TV)
The investigation remains active as officials work to confirm the identity of the victim.
Jones is scheduled to be arraigned on April 21.
