Topline
Judge ruled that Bryan Riley (33-year-old ex-Marine sharpshooter Florida police claim shot and killed a mother and her baby three months ago in Florida) will be held without bail.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office provided this booking photo of Bryan Riley. He was arrested Sunday for a quadruple murder. ASSOCIATED NEWS
The Key Facts
Riley appeared in court Monday morning. He was charged with several offenses related the murders. According to inmate records, Riley is currently in Polk County Jail, Bartow, Florida. According to inmate records, Riley was taken into custody at Polk County Jail in Bartow, Florida on Saturday. He allegedly broke into a house and an apartment in a unincorporated area of Lakeland. This is about 35 miles east from Tampa. The attack left Riley, an 11-year old girl, seriously injured in the home. She is still in critical condition but is expected to make a full recovery. Judd stated that Riley was dressed in camouflage with full-coverage armor and engaged in a shootout at the home with police officers responding to the scene. Eventually, Riley surrendered. Judd stated that there is no evidence suggesting Riley was involved in any way with the victims.
Important Background
According to authorities, Riley spent four years in Marine Corps and served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was then honorably discharged and spent three more years in the reserves. He is a bodyguard at ESS Global Corporation in Florida, which offers training for bodyguards. Judd stated that Riley's girlfriend, Rileys, told police that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. He had not been violent in their four year relationship. However, he was erratic in the weeks preceding the attack. Judd stated Sunday that just because someone has mental health issues doesn't make them criminally liable. "There are millions of people who struggle with mental illness that don't have to do this." Judd stated that Riley holds a concealed weapons permit.
Important Background
Police claim Riley went first to Lakeland on Saturday night, telling residents that he was called by God to stop Amber taking her own life. Judd stated that neighbors told Riley no Amber lived in the neighborhood. However, Judd claimed Riley refused to leave the area until law enforcement was called. Police say Riley returned nine hours later and opened fire. Judd stated that Riley had admitted to officers that he had used methamphetamine while in custody. Judd stated that police are still investigating the crime scene.
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Judge denies bail to Marine accused of killing Lakeland family members, including baby (WFLA).
