A 35-year-old man suspected of killing his 88-year-old grandfather in Florida has been arrested after a vehicle pursuit in Indian River County, authorities said.
Earl Douglas Wadlington III was detained in the early hours of Thursday, October 15, after deputies and police officers located him driving his grandfather’s vehicle, according to the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office.
Florida homicide suspect arrested after pursuit
The investigation began on October 12 when a relative contacted law enforcement after being unable to reach Paul Eugene Baker for several days. She went to his Okeechobee County home and found it in disarray, raising concerns about his welfare.
Deputies obtained a search warrant and later found Mr Baker dead in a concealed area on the property. The 88-year-old was described by local authorities as a longtime Okeechobee County veteran.
Detectives subsequently identified Wadlington, Mr Baker’s grandson, as a suspect. Investigators believe he left the property in the victim’s vehicle, prompting a statewide alert for both the man and the car.
At about 3.30am on October 15, Indian River County deputies and officers from Sebastian Police Department spotted Wadlington in the vehicle. A pursuit lasting roughly ten minutes followed before he was taken into custody.
The sheriff’s office said it was seeking a probable-cause arrest warrant in connection with Mr Baker’s death. It had not confirmed whether that warrant had been issued or released details of any formal charges.
Authorities have also withheld the cause of death, the precise location where Mr Baker was found and details of the circumstances surrounding his death.
Detectives are asking anyone who saw or spoke to Wadlington between October 11 and his arrest to come forward. They are particularly interested in possible sightings in Palm Beach, Martin and St Lucie counties.
Investigators have released images showing Wadlington before he left Okeechobee County and after his arrest, noting a significant change in his hairstyle and general appearance.
Anyone with information is asked to contact senior detective Ashley Rojas at the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office on 863-763-3117, extension 5108. The investigation remains ongoing.
