Se7en
06-29-2005, 08:39 PM
Confesses to her rape and murder....tape to be released soon.
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Criminal history:
Outstanding warrant for violation of probation charge stemming from a 2004 arrest for possession of marijuana under 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Arrested multiple times on various charges, including burglary, carrying a concealed weapon, disorderly intoxication, driving under the influence, indecent exposure, disorderly conduct, fraud, insufficient funds and larceny.
Arrested in 1991 on charges of a sex offense, fondling a child under the age of 16.
Registered sexual offender in Citrus County.
Has absconded more than once.
<li>Driver's license suspended for 99 years.
Source: Citrus County Sheriff's Office
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Florida
http://i.cnn.net/cnn/images/1.gif Jessica Lunsford
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HOMOSASSA, Florida (CNN) -- Jessica Marie Lunsford, the 9-year-old Florida girl whose body was found Saturday near her parents' home, was kidnapped from her bedroom, and there is evidence from a medical examiner that she was sexually assaulted, the Citrus County sheriff said Sunday night.
The girl's body was taken to Leesburg, Florida, for autopsy, authorities said.
"There was no forced entry. The residence was unsecured," Sheriff Jeff Dawsy said of the home where Jessica lived with her grandparents and father.
The girl, who was discovered missing by her father February 24, may have been held captive for more than a day, possibly two, investigators said.
"We don't really have a timeline," Dawsy said.
Because the suspect -- a convicted sex offender -- was "drug-hazed," the sequence of events is murky, the sheriff said.
The suspect, John Evander Couey, made his first court appearance in Citrus County Sunday morning, telling a magistrate judge that he understood his rights and the charges he faces.
Judge Stephen Spivey set bond at $905 on a probation violation charge, but said there would be no bond on a second charge of failure to comply with sex-offender registration requirements.
Couey, who has a long criminal history, allegedly confessed to abducting and killing Jessica and burying her in the yard of his half-sister's house, not far from the Lunsford's home. Couey has not been charged in that case.
Dawsy said charges would be filed "shortly."
"My main focus now is to get this man convicted of a capital crime."
According to the sheriff and other sources, the suspect entered the house on the night of February 23, made his way to her bedroom, put his hand over her mouth, told her to be quiet, and forced her to leave.
Her body was found at 4 a.m. Saturday buried behind Couey's half-sister's home, which is within sight of the Lunsford home, where a command center was set up to coordinate the search for her.
Investigators were awaiting the return of test results from evidence collected in the home where Couey was staying, and the girl's family has been made aware of additional details surrounding her death
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Criminal history:
Outstanding warrant for violation of probation charge stemming from a 2004 arrest for possession of marijuana under 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Arrested multiple times on various charges, including burglary, carrying a concealed weapon, disorderly intoxication, driving under the influence, indecent exposure, disorderly conduct, fraud, insufficient funds and larceny.
Arrested in 1991 on charges of a sex offense, fondling a child under the age of 16.
Registered sexual offender in Citrus County.
Has absconded more than once.
<li>Driver's license suspended for 99 years.
Source: Citrus County Sheriff's Office
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Florida
http://i.cnn.net/cnn/images/1.gif Jessica Lunsford
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HOMOSASSA, Florida (CNN) -- Jessica Marie Lunsford, the 9-year-old Florida girl whose body was found Saturday near her parents' home, was kidnapped from her bedroom, and there is evidence from a medical examiner that she was sexually assaulted, the Citrus County sheriff said Sunday night.
The girl's body was taken to Leesburg, Florida, for autopsy, authorities said.
"There was no forced entry. The residence was unsecured," Sheriff Jeff Dawsy said of the home where Jessica lived with her grandparents and father.
The girl, who was discovered missing by her father February 24, may have been held captive for more than a day, possibly two, investigators said.
"We don't really have a timeline," Dawsy said.
Because the suspect -- a convicted sex offender -- was "drug-hazed," the sequence of events is murky, the sheriff said.
The suspect, John Evander Couey, made his first court appearance in Citrus County Sunday morning, telling a magistrate judge that he understood his rights and the charges he faces.
Judge Stephen Spivey set bond at $905 on a probation violation charge, but said there would be no bond on a second charge of failure to comply with sex-offender registration requirements.
Couey, who has a long criminal history, allegedly confessed to abducting and killing Jessica and burying her in the yard of his half-sister's house, not far from the Lunsford's home. Couey has not been charged in that case.
Dawsy said charges would be filed "shortly."
"My main focus now is to get this man convicted of a capital crime."
According to the sheriff and other sources, the suspect entered the house on the night of February 23, made his way to her bedroom, put his hand over her mouth, told her to be quiet, and forced her to leave.
Her body was found at 4 a.m. Saturday buried behind Couey's half-sister's home, which is within sight of the Lunsford home, where a command center was set up to coordinate the search for her.
Investigators were awaiting the return of test results from evidence collected in the home where Couey was staying, and the girl's family has been made aware of additional details surrounding her death