Report: Seminole murder suspect stole victim’s car
On Oct. 10, an Orlando Police detective wrote in an arrest report that Edward Israel Marrero should stay in jail because he would likely steal again if released.
Marrero was released and, authorities say, did steal once more. But this time the theft took a deadly turn, officials allege. He allegedly stole Wallace Dean Worman’s car and debit card.
Worman, 87, was found dead Monday morning in his home on Norwich Circle near Casselberry, deputies said. Now Marrero faces a murder charge, in addition to the theft charges.
The slaying ended an alleged three-week crime spree that included at least seven separate cases in Orange County. Marrero also is a suspect in a handful of others in east Orlando, Orlando Police said. Authorities allege he broke into houses and stole electronics and jewelry. He would then try to pawn them.
“If released on bond, the defendant will likely continue committing similar crimes,” Orlando police Det. Ghena Luker wrote.
The detective asked that the judge give Marrero no bond, or place him on a Nebbia hold, meaning he’d have to prove that the funds he was using to get out of jail were not profits made from his alleged thefts. Judge Keith Carsten granted the Nebbia request Oct. 10, according to records. But another judge lifted the hold three days later and Marrero posted bond Oct. 17, records show. It’s unclear why the hold was removed. An Orange County Circuit court spokeswoman couldn’t be reached for comment. Two hours after Worman was found dead, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies were called Monday to Central Boulevard and Garland Avenue after a GPS tracking device located Worman’s stolen car. Deputies found Marrero, 23, walking away from the 2006 Infinity sedan, according to the affidavit. They checked his pockets and found the keys to the car, the affidavit said.
During an arraignment on the theft charge Tuesday at the Orange County Jail, Marrero quietly answered the judge’s questions. He was denied bond.