2 Arrested in Florida for the Random Beating Death of a Maine Man
Two men face charges in Florida for allegedly beating a Maine man to death while he was out for a bicycle ride.
Who is the Victim?
Jeffrey Chapman was just 49 years old when he died in a random attack in Clearwater Beach, Florida. WFTS-TV reports Chapman owned an investment company and divided his time between Maine and Florida. According to his obituary in the BDN, he loved taking pictures, especially of sunsets.
Who Are the Suspects?
But in October, a late-night bicycle ride caused him to cross paths with Savonne Morrison and Jermaine Bennett. The two men were on a violent spree, using tire irons to damage numerous cars, and also allegedly beating a St. Petersburg man, before using the weapon on Chapman. The Clearwater Police Department released this video of the two suspects damaging vehicles prior to Chapman's death. While this video does not show any people being attacked, we caution that it is, nonetheless, disturbing.
What Charges Do They Face?
According to the Clearwater Police, 26-year-old Bennett, whose vehicle was found at the scene, has admitted to beating Chapman to death with a tire iron in a random attack. He's been charged with first-degree murder. A second suspect, 18-year-old Savonne Morrison, is charged with principal to first-degree murder. That means that, although he may not have been the one who did the actual crime, he is accused of aiding and abetting the act. A principal can be punished for the full crime, even though they may not have been the one who actually caused the death.
This case remains under investigation.
Jeff Chapman is survived by his daughter and son, Sierra and Alex, as well as his father and stepmother, two siblings, and other family and loved ones.
Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.