HOMOSASSA, Fla – A Florida man was arrested on numerous felony charges including attempted murder and kidnapping – as the result of an investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Patrol Division and Major Crimes Section (MCS).
Early Monday, deputies received a call requesting a well-being check on the elderly victim, who was believed to be under the care of the defendant.
Deputies made contact with 59-year-old James Frederick Queen, at his residence in Homosassa, who stated that the victim was in another county with a family member.
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Responding deputies quickly disproved this information and Queen eventually admitted the victim was inside. Queen’s lies multiplied when he unsuccessfully tried to explain to deputies that the victim had multiple self-inflicted injuries and was too embarrassed to call for help.
When deputies entered the residence, they were able to locate the elderly victim who had been ruthlessly brutalized.
The victim told deputies that they had been repeatedly and savagely beaten by Queen for days and prevented from calling for help or leaving the residence.
Deputies took Queen into custody, and the victim was transported to a trauma center due to
the extent of their injuries. Detectives arrived on the scene to assist with the investigation.
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“CCSO is dedicated to protecting our elderly citizens and removing brutalizers like Queen from our society,” said Sheriff Prendergast. “It is unthinkable that someone could be so violent toward such a vulnerable member of our community. Not only did Queen torture and terrorize the victim, but he deliberately kept them from seeking law enforcement and medical assistance. The cruel and inhumane actions of Queen in this case are utterly sadistic.”
Queen was arrested on: one count of attempted murder; one count of kidnapping with the intent to inflict bodily harm; one count of aggravated battery on a person 65 or older; one count of felony battery by strangulation; one count of false imprisonment; and one count of hindering communication to law enforcement. He is being held at the Citrus County Detention Facility without bond.
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