A 43-year-old man has been accused of planting a bomb under his father’s car before shooting him to death. The suspect is now facing a murder charge for the killing of his 65-year-old father, a former reserve deputy with the sheriff’s office.
Authorities responded to the scene early Wednesday morning in Middletown, where they discovered the victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Paramedics transported him to the hospital, but he did not survive. While at the location, officers identified a suspicious package, prompting the bomb squad to intervene. The package was safely detonated, and investigators soon uncovered further evidence linking the suspect to the crime.
Law enforcement officials obtained a criminal complaint detailing the discovery of an explosive device beneath the victim’s vehicle. A search of the suspect’s car and home revealed multiple items used for manufacturing explosives, along with an AR-15 rifle. Handwritten notes found at the scene further indicated that the suspect had planned to kill his father.
Authorities also located a former ambulance vehicle believed to have been used in the crime. Two workers installing fences in the area reported seeing the vehicle and interacting with the suspect. He allegedly exited the vehicle and engaged them in brief conversation, claiming he was experiencing engine trouble. The workers later expressed concern about what could have happened if the suspect had turned violent toward them.
A witness living near the scene described the dramatic arrest. Law enforcement officers shattered a window on the back of the ambulance and deployed smoke bombs. Shortly after, the suspect emerged from the smoke and was taken into custody.
Records indicate that the father and son had a troubled history, having previously filed emergency protection orders against each other. Further investigation into the suspect’s past uncovered a prior conviction for kidnapping and assault. In that case, he had restrained an ex-girlfriend by chaining her to the ceiling of a home for 12 hours. During that time, he subjected her to repeated abuse, including the use of a Taser and physical beatings with a pool cue. That crime led to a three-year prison sentence.
In addition to the murder charge, the suspect now faces additional charges, including possession of a firearm as a felon and violating an emergency protection order. He remains in custody with bail set at $1 million.
