DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Authorities are searching for a man suspected of killing a Daytona Beach couple as they were bicycling home over the weekend, WFTV reported.
Chief Jakari Young told WFTV that the scene was one of the most gruesome he’s ever seen. Authorities said they found the couple dead after responding to a 911 call early Sunday about a possible hit-and-run.
Instead, officers determined that the couple was bicycling home from Main Street when they were attacked on Wild Olive Avenue, WFTV reported. They were stabbed several times and their throats were slashed before their bodies were dragged out of the road and onto nearby grass, according to the news station.
Police said they did not immediately have any witnesses to the killing. Authorities were looking Monday for security camera footage from the area to help develop more leads, WFTV reported.
“We will spare no expense and we will leave no stone unturned until our community is safe and feels safe,” Young told the news station.
Police are searching for the person who brutally stabbed a couple to death in Daytona Beach. https://t.co/Y5w82hL1Pu
— WFTV Channel 9 (@WFTV) March 7, 2022
It was not immediately clear what prompted the stabbing. Young told WFTV that investigators do not believe the couple was targeted for a robbery because of items left at the scene.
“We can’t rule out that this may be totally random, but if it is totally random (then) the person responsible has to be deranged,” Young said, according to WFTV.
Authorities did not immediately identify the slain couple. Officials continue to investigate.
@DaytonaBchPD is currently investigating a double homicide that occurred overnight in the 700 block of N. Wild Olive. Both victims suffered multiple stab wounds and lacerations. Suspect information is limited to..(CONTINUED)
— Chief Jakari Young (@ChiefJakari) March 6, 2022
Double Homicide (Continued)
— Chief Jakari Young (@ChiefJakari) March 6, 2022
A male unknown race wearing white or light colored pants and possibly a backpack. Motive is unknown. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact @DaytonaBchPD Detective Howell at 671-5257.
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