Search Results for: Marion County

Husband sets wife on fire in attempted murder-suicide after divorce request

Ocala, FL A Florida man allegedly doused his wife in gasoline and ignited a fire at their home following her request for a divorce. Alfonza Green, 51, faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and arson.

Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene on November 30. Upon arrival, they discovered Green with burns and heard witnesses say he had set himself ablaze.

The victim reported that she was on her bed when Green emerged from the shower. She initially thought he was leaving until she felt something cold poured on her.

She confronted him, asking what he was doing. Green reportedly responded that if he died, they would both die together because they were married.

The victim attempted to flee and urged Green not to follow through with his threats. She realized he had poured gasoline on her just as he attempted to ignite a fire using a lighter.

In post-Miranda statements, Green claimed that he had poured gasoline on the bed due to feeling overwhelmed by life. He also alleged that the victim left the room before he ignited the flames.

There were six individuals inside the home, including the victim’s 11-year-old grandson. None of them sustained injuries.

Green was arrested on Tuesday and is currently held at Marion County Jail without bond.

Man charged in father’s brutal murder and attempted murder of mother

Indianapolis, IN An Indiana man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his father, wrapping the body in a rug, and attempting to harm his mother. Bryan Pedigo, 54, faces multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder.

The incidents took place earlier this month at a residence on South Catherwood Avenue. On December 11, a third party made a 911 call that led police to begin a death investigation based on a conversation allegedly initiated by Pedigo.

Officers initially found the residence locked and no one home, but later received another call from a witness who reported seeing a body through a window. The officers returned and confirmed the gruesome discovery of John Lloyd Pedigo, 81, with injuries consistent with trauma.

In the home, police also found Olanna Pedigo, 79, who appeared dazed and suffered visible injuries. She was taken to Eskenazi Hospital for treatment.

Initially, Olanna did not recall the events but later expressed doubt about her son’s innocence. A subsequent search revealed evidence of a struggle, including signs of blood and candle wax throughout the residence.

An autopsy determined that John Pedigo died from multiple blunt force traumas. Following the investigation, police discovered that the deceased man’s truck was missing and tracked it down 90 miles southwest of Indianapolis, where Bryan Pedigo was arrested.

During questioning, the defendant provided conflicting accounts about the circumstances surrounding the violence. He initially claimed his mother’s permission to use his father’s vehicle and downplayed knowledge of the assault.

Later statements included references to “something demonic” affecting their home and a history of violence within the family. Eventually, Pedigo admitted to his father’s death but declined to give specifics.

The original 911 caller, a friend of Bryan Pedigo, revealed that he expressed remorse for the incident and confessed to beating his father to death. The man also indicated disturbing intentions regarding handling his father’s body.

Bryan Pedigo is currently held in the Marion County Jail without bond. His pretrial hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2026, with a jury trial set to begin on March 9, 2026.

Indiana man pleads guilty to threats against immigrants on TikTok

Indianapolis, IN

Preston Pickett, 59, has pleaded guilty to threatening to commit terrorism. His sentence includes two years in prison, but he will serve less than one year after credit for time served.

The FBI informed the Indianapolis Police Department about the threats made by Pickett on TikTok on January 12. He made multiple posts expressing intent to kill illegal immigrants coinciding with President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

He stated, “I will shoot on sight I don’t check IDs so you all are illegal too me.” In another post, he threatened to kill “many illegals” on January 20.

Further statements referenced his desire to be recognized for killing a significant number of immigrants on Trump’s first day in office. Law enforcement tracked Pickett’s social media activity to identify him as the source of the threats.

Upon their arrival at his residence in Southport, he confronted officers while referencing a belief that police were complicit with undocumented individuals.

Pickett questioned the legitimacy of the investigation and his rights under the Second Amendment. Officers proceeded to confiscate his cellphone and two firearms during their investigation.

As part of his plea deal, these items were ordered to be destroyed. Pickett has a history of making threats, including an incident in March where he threatened to shoot at a Florida car wash.

He previously made anonymous threats to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office regarding employees walking to their vehicles.

Indiana woman charged with murder in road rage shooting

Indianapolis, IN – A 23-year-old woman has been charged with murder following a road rage incident that led to the shooting death of a 21-year-old man. Deborah Benefiel faces charges of murder and criminal recklessness in the shooting of Kentrell Settles on Friday.

The incident occurred at the intersection of West 38th Street and Georgetown Road. Officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of gunfire and found Settles inside a Chevrolet Malibu suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

According to a probable cause affidavit, detectives found evidence of a single gunshot in the rear passenger side window of the Malibu, along with a BB gun under the driver’s seat. Settles’ girlfriend, who was in the car at the time of the shooting, stated that they were stopped at a red light when Settles honked the horn after the vehicle in front did not move when the light turned green.

Witnesses reported that Benefiel, driving a Ford SUV, followed the couple while yelling and gesturing. As Settles attempted to turn into a nearby plaza, Benefiel allegedly fired one shot into the Malibu. Settles’ girlfriend drove them the rest of the way to her parents’ house after the incident.

Police were able to identify Benefiel’s vehicle through license plate readers and observed her removing stickers from the SUV before her arrest. Upon being taken into custody, Benefiel informed an officer that the gun was located in a bag at her apartment. Authorities later found a .40-caliber Glock handgun in a purse.

An autopsy confirmed that Settles died from a gunshot wound that entered his back, causing significant damage to his lung and heart. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Benefiel has not provided a statement to detectives following her arrest. She remains in the Marion County Jail without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears stated that this incident highlights the dangers of escalating conflicts on roadways.