Murder Indictment in Okeechobee Florida

Murder Indictment in Okeechobee Florida

Murder Indictment In Okeechobee FloridaPhoto byJohn J Wiley

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement made an announcement on Wednesday regarding the indictment of a suspect by an Okeechobee County grand jury. The indictment pertains to a capital murder charge linked to the tragic killing of a South Florida Lyft driver.

Matthew Scott Flores, aged 36, faced a three-count indictment in Okeechobee, encompassing charges of first-degree premeditated murder with a firearm, robbery with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. FDLE agent Eli Lawson shared this information during a press conference.

For more information, you can find links to WOKC Okeechobee's True County 100.9 FM and 1570 AM at the end of this article.

Okeechobee Sheriff Noel Stephen emphasized the dangerous nature of Flores, stating, "Not everyone in our society is that malevolent, but a small fraction of individuals with such intentions coexist among us. We must remain vigilant. Parents should always be aware of their children's whereabouts. Even though our community has a relaxed, rural vibe, there are still individuals with ill intentions passing through."

Flores was apprehended in Rutherford County, North Carolina, following a high-speed pursuit in the victim's vehicle.

FDLE Special Agent Eli Lawson explained that Flores displayed a strong determination to evade capture, saying, "He was desperate to escape, willing to do whatever it took. He continually resorted to stealing vehicles, sometimes as many as three or four."

"He was attempting to return to his residence in North Carolina. Tragically, Mr. Levin picked up Mr. Flores, and they left Palm Beach County, driving into Okeechobee County, where Flores committed the heinous crime against Levin."

Sheriff Stephen suggested that Flores likely shot Levin inside the vehicle, near where the victim's body was discovered along NE 40th Avenue.

Levin, aged 74, worked as a Lyft driver and resided in Palm Beach Gardens. A call for a ride was made in Lake Worth, which led to Flores entering Levin's vehicle. It is suspected that Flores shot Levin in Okeechobee and subsequently abandoned his body on the side of North East 40th Avenue before fleeing in the victim's car.

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