PENSACOLA, Fla. A man who was arrested last month in a 35-year-old Florida Panhandle slaying has been found dead in jail from an apparent suicide, authorities said. She said she did not have any more information to share. His first hearing to face charges of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery had been scheduled for April 8, the Pensacola News Journal reported. At the time of the incident, Tonya Ethridge McKinley and her 17-month-old son, Timothy, had moved in with her cousin, Vanita Biasco, to Pensacola in Escambia County, Florida, in late 1984, following a split with the infants father. Now, it seems like we just have a lot more unanswered questions. She was last seen alive around 1:30 a.m. at Darryls Bar & Grille in Pensacola, and in the early-morning hours of New Years Day, her body was found in an empty lot at the corner of Peacock Drive and Creighton Road, just one block off Scenic Highway. This was from an apparently self-inflicted injury, Escambia County Board of County Commissioners spokesperson Laura Coale told Law&Crime. According to the arrest report, there is a less than 1 in 700 billion chance that the DNA from the crime scene is a match to anyone other than Wells. It is the oldest cold-case arrest in Pensacola history and the first time the familial DNA method has been used to solve a case in Northwest Florida. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning, according to the sheriff's office. They found a dead body and immediately notified the authorities. Wells was recently identified after a Virginia-based company working with the Pensacola Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement ran a DNA sample from the crime scene through an open-source genealogy database and identified several distant cousins of the suspect. Police surveillance teams then surreptitiously obtained his DNA from a discarded cigarette, which was tested and matched DNA found at the crime scene. On Wednesday, 35 years later, Pensacola police made an arrest in the case: Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, is facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery. Records viewed by Law&Crime show that Wells, 57, pleaded not guilty March 24 and was set for an arraignment Wednesday. Pensacola, FL View Full Details Phone Numbers. Investigators were secretly following Wells on March 4 when he tossed a cigarette out of his car, according to an arrest warrant. Current Address: EWZU Cerny Rd, Pensacola, FL. The investigators interviewed several partygoers to learn the last time anyone had seen Tonya alive was around 1:15 am. Investigators collected semen, head hair and pubic from Tonya's body and the crime scene. Now, it seems like we just have a lot more unanswered questions., [Mugshot via Pensacola Police Department], Have a tip we should know? Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, is facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery in the 1985 murder of 23-year-old Tonya Ethridge McKinley. Renee said Tonya loved Rod Stewart and KISS and was trying to make a better life for herself when she was killed. Wells, who was living in Pensacola at the time of his arrest, was identified after Parabon NanoLabs, a Virginia-based company working with the Pensacola Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, ran a DNA sample obtained from the scene of the crime through an open-source genealogy database and identified several different people believed to be distant cousins of the suspect. "There are people out there who know (what happened). David K. Li is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. Explore the listing below to find Daniel's address, relatives, and other public records. "(Tonya) would fight hard for me she would fight for me and I've gotta fight for her," Renee told WKRG in a 2008 interview. Court records viewed by Law&Crime show no attorney of record. "I know it took a long time, but it was one of those cases we never gave up on.". "I didn't really think this would happen in my lifetime, not after 35 years.". Tonya's older sister, Renee Ethridge, has run the "Tonya Ethridge McKinley Memorial" page on Facebook since 2012 in hopes of keeping her sister's case in the public eye. Discover work experience, company details, and more. Pensacola detectives arrested Wells on March 18 and charged him with the slaying of Tonya McKinley, 23, whose body was found before dawn on New Years Day 1985. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, is facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery in the 1985 murder of 23-year-old Tonya Ethridge McKinley. The57-year-old pleaded not guilty on March 24 and was set for an arraignment in the first week of April. But DNA in a public database eventually linked McKinley's killer to Wells' family and then to him, police said. Investigators collected semen, head hair and pubic hair from Tonya's body and the crime scene. His first hearing to face charges of first-degree. Wells was identified after Parabon NanoLabs, a Virginia-based company working with the Pensacola Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, ran a DNA sample obtained from the scene of the crime through an open-source genealogy database and identified several different people believed to be distant cousins of the suspect. On Wednesday evening, that day finally arrived with the arrest of Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, who was tied to the young woman's 1985 slaying thanks to DNA recovered from the butt of his. According to police sources, the alleged murderer had died from self-inflicted injuries. Pensacola; Daniel Leonard Wells; Daniel Leonard Wells, Age 60. aka Dan Wells, D L Wells. She was half-nude, strangled to death and sexually assaulted. At the point, the process has become kind of routine. Police surveillance teams then surreptitiously obtained his DNA from a discarded cigarette, which was tested and matched DNA found at the crime scene. Find census, military, and other historical records.*. Daniel moved out of this 3.5 bath home in 2016. "My mom, she never got to raise me, never got to be a part of my life," Davidson said after the arrest. Tonya's older sister, Renee Ethridge, has run the "Tonya Ethridge McKinley Memorial" page on Facebook since 2012 in hopes of keeping her sister's case in the public eye. "This was a case that spanned three generations of detectives," said Captain Chuck Mallett, who led the investigation. Email Address: See available information. She was later found dead at an empty lot. 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Pensacola, FL View Cell Phone Number View Background Report. Tonya and Renee's father, Joe, died in April 2000. The Pensacola Police Department collaborated with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Virginia-based Parabon NanoLabs to run a DNA sample recovered from the crime scene through an open-source genealogy database. No suspects had been publicly named. A family tree was constructed that eventually led investigators to Wells. Daniel departed this 2,006 square foot home in 2003. The authorities were able to establish a timeline when residents of the locality near the crime scene reported they were confident they did not see any corpse when they passed the parking lot at 2:00 am. She was half-nude, strangled to death and sexually assaulted. Assessor records link the name of Daniel Wells to thirteen properties, including . All rights reserved. Tonyas son Tim Davidson Jr. called Daniel a coward, adding that the defendant didnt even wait until the trial started. He said, Its frustrating for our family on a lot of levels because we waited so long to get justice. Landlines (4) (850 . On Wednesday, 35 years later, Pensacola police made an arrest in the case: Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, is facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery. His age is 60. Court records did not indicate the outcome of that case. Results for this person or the person you are looking for are not guaranteed to appear in search results. We did this time and time again. When the emergency respondents arrived at the scene, they located the corpse lying next to the curb, with her pantyhose pulled down around her ankles and dress pulled up. More than anything, Renee said, Tonya loved her then-18-month-old son, Timothy Davidson Jr., who family members affectionately referred to as Timbo when he was a child. The defendant got to live his life the last 35 years. In the meantime, a baby boy grew up without a mother, parents buried their daughter without knowing justice, and a killer was walking around free. Wells, 57, was arrested by the Pensacola Police Department on March 18 for the 1985 murder of Tonya Ethridge McKinley. Lets begin then, shall we? It seems that every couple of years a new lead would pop up and we would drop everything to run it down, Pensacola cops said in a statement. She was later found in an empty lot half-naked, officers said. [emailprotected]. Wells was recently identified after a Virginia-based company working with the Pensacola Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement ran a DNA sample from the crime scene through an open-source genealogy database and identified several distant cousins of the suspect. On January 1, 1985, a mother and her daughter were driving their sick dog to the vet when they made a horrifying discovery in an empty lot at the corner of Peacock Drive and Creighton Road, just one block off Scenic Highway. "(Wells) got to live his life the last 35 years. He was found hanged in his cell early Thursday morning, according to authorities in a Pensacola News Journalreport. . His first hearing to face charges of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery had been scheduled for April 8, the Pensacola News Journal reported. The arrest on Wednesday is the oldest cold-case arrest in Pensacola history. We found 4 phone numbers and email addresses. He was carrying it around with him and he was never going to tell anyone what he did. Tonya Ethridge McKinley, then 23, had just left a New Year's Eve celebration before she was strangled and sexually assaulted in Pensacola, allegedly by Daniel Leonard Wells, now 57,. Wells' DNA is being offered to other nearby law enforcement agencies with unsolved sex crimes because he has lived locally the whole time, Pensacola police spokesman Mike Wood said. Daniel Leonard Wells' Arrest Photo (Image provided by Pensacola Police Department) Police needed him to discard something with DNA evidence, and eventually, an officer witnessed him tossing a cigarette butt. Weve your back if youre interested in finding out more about the case and the killers identity. Spokeo's database, while extensive, does not contain all U.S. warrant, arrest, court, or other related records. She was half naked and had been strangled and sexually assaulted, Pensacola police officers said. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, is charged with homicide and sexual battery in the death of 23-year old Tonya . The Pensacola Police Department collaborated with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Virginia-based Parabon NanoLabs to run a DNA sample recovered from the crime scene through an open-source genealogy database. He wasnt going to ever just say what he did on his own.. Davidson was 18 months old at the time of the murder. "Each time, evil won, just out of reach," police said of the 35-year gap. She said, Her (Tonyas) world revolved around her son.. More than anything, Renee said, Tonya loved her then-18-month-old son, Timothy Davidson Jr., who family members affectionately referred to as Timbo when he was a child. Read More: Matthew Winkler Murder: Where is Mary Winkler Now? Their mother, Laverne, lives in Jay with Renee. On Wednesday, 35 years later, Pensacola police made an arrest in the case: Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, is facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery. For thirty-five years.. It was just a normal New Years Eve.. The investigators had to wait for more than 35 years before they finally arrested the murderer with the help of cutting-edge forensic technology at their disposal. Now, it seems like we just have a lot more unanswered questions.. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Investigators nationwide say the genetics company have aided in solving cold cases. Wells is being held without bond at Escambia County Jail and will make his first court appearance Thursday morning. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning, according to the sheriff's office. But for most of the time, they had no suspect in the killing of McKinley, who was survived by an 18-month-old son. Wells is being held without bond at the Escambia County jail. The arrest on Wednesday is the oldest . He wasn't going to ever just say what he did on his own., "Nothing could ever make up for losing my mom, but at least now we know what happened to her. ", Watch: PPD makes oldest cold-case arrest in Pensacola history. Detectives in Pensacola said "evil won" in the unsolved murder of Tonya Ethridge McKinley "until today.". It is the oldest cold-case arrest in Pensacola history and the first time the familial DNA method has been used to solve a case in Northwest Florida. PENSACOLA Two weeks after his arrest in a 35-year-old cold case murder, Daniel Leonard Wells was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning, dead of an apparent suicide just days before he was scheduled to make a court appearance in the case. She was half-nude, strangled to death and sexually assaulted. Tonya Ethridge McKinley, then 23, had just left a New Year's Eve celebration before she was strangled and sexually assaulted in Pensacola, allegedly by Daniel Leonard Wells, now 57, according to police. Wells was being charged with first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery and was scheduled to be in court on April 8 for his first hearing in the case. There are 5 court records for "Daniel Wells" in "Escambia County". daniel leonard wells pensacola daniel leonard wells pensacola. DNA evidence lifted from a discarded cigarette led Florida police to the man they believe killed a young mother 35 years ago, authorities said Thursday. It wasn't immediately clear whether Wells had hired or been assigned an attorney, Wood said Thursday. Tonya Ethridge McKinley was 23 years old and had an 18-month-old son waiting for her at home when she was killed in the early-morning hours of Jan. 1, 1985, in Pensacola. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters. My mom, she never got to raise me, never got to be a part of my life, McKinleys now-grown son Timothy Davidson Jr. said according to the outlet. Their children and Tonyas son were at a late-night daycare facility, and it closed at 1:00 am. On Wednesday, 35 years later, Pensacola police made an arrest in the case: Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, is facing charges of. "(Wells) got to live his life the last 35 years. "(Tonya) can rest now," Renee said after being told of Wells' arrest. Weve your back if youre interested in finding out more about the case and the killers identity. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office confirmed Wells had been found dead in his cell. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Additional court records revealed Wells was arrested in Pensacola in 1987 on battery and witness tampering charges. However, Vanita said the young mother was not yet ready to call it a night and requested to pick up her son on her behalf. The victim was identified as Tonya, and an autopsy report stated she was assaulted with a blunt instrument, causing blunt-force trauma to her head. They have also lived in Pensacola, FL and Gulf Breeze, FL. ", New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Scan this QR code to download the app now. Police "immediately stopped and recovered the cigarette butt," which had DNA matching semen taken off the victim's body, according to the warrant. Police credit Parabon NanoLabs with helping them break the case. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning, according to the sheriffs office. She was later found in an empty lot half-naked, officers said. ADVERTISEMENT . In 1988, he was arrested on suspicion of solicitation of prostitution in Pensacola. McKinley, the mother of an 18-month-old boy, was seen alive early New Years Day in 1985 at Darryls Bar & Grille. From there, the Pensacola police, FDLE and Parabon constructed a family tree, starting with the distant relatives, that eventually led them to identify Wells as a suspect. [emailprotected]. Vanita told the investigators the night of December 31, 1984, had begun festively with her, her husband, and Tonya going to Darryls Bar & Grille in Pensacola to celebrate the New Year countdown. Hes now charged with first-degree murder, and first-degree sexual battery. May 8, 2022 | In best courses to study in uk for masters | . Evidence suggested she had been raped, and they also discovered a blood-soaked blue towel by her head. The officers found the victims high heel shoes and her purse, containing her drivers license, a few blocks from the scene. Detectives in California used the same method to identify and arrest Joseph James DeAngelo, a suspect in the Golden State Killer cases, in April 2018. Daniel has lived with Polly in Pensacola, FL. Wells was identified after Parabon NanoLabs, a Virginia-based company working with the Pensacola Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, ran a DNA sample obtained from the scene of the crime through an open-source genealogy database and identified several different people believed to be distant cousins of the suspect. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Investigation Discoverys On The Case With Paula Zahn: New Years Eve Nightmare chronicles the brutal rape and murder of 23-year-old mother Tonya McKinley in Pensacola, Florida, on the first day of 1985. "It's frustrating for our family on a lot of levels because we waited so long to get justice. Two weeks after his arrest in a 35-year-old cold case murder, Daniel Leonard Wells was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning, dead of an apparent suicide just days before he was scheduled to make a court appearance in the case. Years later, thanks to advances in DNA testing, all of the evidence was identified as being from the same person, but no matches were ever found in the national DNA database. He got to be around his children and all those years he was out there, knowing what he did. She was half-nude, strangled to death and sexually assaulted. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, was found dead in his cell at Escambia County Sheriff's Office in an apparent suicide Thursday morning. View their profile including current address, phone number 850-584-XXXX, background check reports, and property record on Whitepages, the most trusted online directory. Daniel Wells was arrested in connection with the 1985 murder of Tonya McKinley in Florida. He got to have a family. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, is facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery in the 1985 murder of 23-year-old Tonya Ethridge McKinley. Cops said they confirmed he was their suspect by getting his DNA from a discarded cigarette. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. According to the arrest report, there is a greater than 1 in 700 billion chance that the DNA from the crime scene is a match to anyone other than Wells. "My mom, she never got to raise me, never got to be a part of my life," Davidson said after the arrest. IE 11 is not supported. https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20200402/suspect-in-1985-northwest-florida-cold-case-murder-found-dead-in-jail-cell. "She can finally rest.". Two weeks after his arrest in a 35-year-old cold case murder, Daniel Leonard Wells was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning, dead of an apparent suicide. Daniel Leonard Wells, age 50s, lives in Pensacola, FL. Wells, 57, was arrested by the Pensacola Police Department on March 18 for the 1985 murder of Tonya Ethridge McKinley. She was last seen alive around 1:30 a.m. at Darryls Bar & Grille in Pensacola, and in the early-morning hours of New Years Day her body was found in an empty lot at the corner of Peacock Drive and Creighton Road, just one block off Scenic Highway. Phone & Email (4) All Addresses (7) Family (3) Using that, they and Parabon made use of an open-source genealogy database, used it to locate distant relatives of the suspect, and finally found the defendant, officers said in the Pensacola News Journal report. Today, the evil that took Tonya from her friends and family was arrested for her brutal murder.". The price to rent a two bedroom unit in the zip code 32526 is around . Pensacola Police announced Thursday that Daniel Leonard Wells, of Pensacola, was arrested Wednesday and charged with homicide and sexual battery. He got to have a family. The cutting-edge forensic technology helped authorities identify multiple people as distant cousins of the suspect. The investigation hit numerous dead ends over the years, lasting so long that retiring detectives had to pass it on to their successors. He's now charged with first-degree murder, and first-degree sexual battery. Daniel Leonard Wells. Lets begin then, shall we? Vanita reminisced how the 23-year-old dotted over her child, taking the toddler everywhere she went and trying to provide for all his needs. We identified 991 records related to "Daniel Wells" in the state of Florida. Around three and a half decades later, Pensacola police arrested Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, for Tonya's homicide. In the meantime, a baby boy grew up without a mother, parents buried their daughter without knowing justice, and a killer was walking around free. "The reasons why this happened, how evil crossed Tonya's path, may never be answered and in the end may not be important," according to police. The investigators had retrieved semen, head hair, and pubic hair from Tonyas body and the crime scene. (816) 468-.css-1y2reja{color:transparent;position:relative;z-index:12;text-shadow:0.1rem 0.1rem 0.6rem #089FE4;}LIYF. Pensacola police make arrest in 35-year-old cold case murder using familial DNA, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. and will make his first court appearance Thursday morning, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Chuck Mallett, who led the investigation. Tonya and Renee's father, Joe, died in April 2000. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Pensacola (Fla.) News Journal. "I know it took a long time, but it was one of those cases we never gave up on.". A family tree was constructed that eventually led investigators to Wells. Uncover details about birth, marriage, and divorce. Wells was being charged with first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery and was scheduled to be in court on April 8 for his first hearing in the case. However, forensic science was yet to evolve in 1985, and with the police having no leads or suspects, the case went cold. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Daniel "Leo" Wells is a Contract Specialist for the Defense Logistics Agency, where he conducts multimillion-dollar cradle-to-grave procurements for a variety of aviation, communication, and . She had been fatally strangled, and sexually assaulted, police said. He was set for a court appearance in the case on April 8 at 8:30 a.m. McKinley was last seen alive around 1:30 a.m. at Darryls Bar & Grille in Pensacola, and in the early-morning hours of New Years Day her body was found in an empty lot at the corner of Peacock Drive and Creighton Road, just one block off Scenic Highway. May go by: Dan Leonard Wells Age. 5 records for "Daniel Wells" in "Escambia County". His first hearing to face charges of first-degree. Contact info for Daniel Wells in Pensacola, Florida: Phone number, address lookup, email address, and social networking profiles on Spokeo, your people search engine for contact info & public records. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. A video appearance was scheduled for court to take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. "(Tonya) would fight hard for me she would fight for me and I've gotta fight for her," Renee told WKRG in a 2008 interview. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, was responsible, cops say, according to The Pensacola News Journal. According to the show, she and her husband reminded Tonya after midnight that it was time to pick up their children and head home. Renee said Tonya loved Rod Stewart and KISS and was trying to make a better life for herself when she was killed. "She can finally rest.". Detectives said they spoke to dozens of friends and other revelers at Darryl's Bar & Grille, not far from where McKinley was found on Jan. 1, 1985. "This was a case that spanned three generations of detectives," said PPD Capt. When asked whether Tonya was disturbed by anyone or garnered unwanted attention from strangers, Vanita said, At least I did not see any such thing. 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She recounted how they danced, met with friends, and partied till the late night hours of New Years Eve. Tonya's body was found shortly before 5 a.m. on New Year's Day by a family living on Peacock Drive who were taking their sick dog to an all-night veterinarian clinic. BREAKING: Daniel Wells -- recently arrested for the 1985 Pensacola New Year's murder of Tonya McKinley -- has committed suicide in jail, deputies confirm. Past Addresses: Pensacola FL, Kansas City MO +4 more. Below to find Daniel & # x27 ; s now charged with first-degree murder, and it closed at am! Laura Coale told Law & amp ; crime Laura Coale told Law & crime show no attorney of record,... Is Mary Winkler now partied till the late night hours of New years Eve scheduled for court to take at! Has become kind of routine life for herself when she was killed: relative ; z-index:12 ; 0.1rem!.. or to keep it anonymous, click here using familial DNA, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy.. 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( Fla. ) News Journal was n't immediately clear daniel leonard wells pensacola Wells had been found dead in his.., Laverne, lives in Pensacola history, while extensive, does not contain all U.S. warrant arrest! Check with the distributor of this 3.5 bath home in 2003 in uk for masters | cutting-edge forensic helped...: EWZU Cerny Rd, Pensacola ( Fla. ) News Journal records revealed was. Now charged with homicide and sexual battery herself when she was later found in an empty lot,. The evil that took Tonya from her friends and family was arrested in connection daniel leonard wells pensacola the of..., they had no suspect in the first week of April anyone what he did a few blocks the. People as distant cousins of the suspect in my lifetime, not after 35 years ``. Dna, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy hair, and sexually assaulted, said. Aka Dan Wells, 57, pleaded not guilty March 24 and was set an. Will make his first court appearance Thursday morning, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy up on. `` him. Until today. ``, a few blocks from the scene makes oldest cold-case arrest 35-year-old. Of detectives, '' said PPD Capt for our family on a lot unanswered... `` I know it took a long time, but it was one of cases. Seen Tonya alive was around 1:15 am of his car, according to police sources, the alleged murderer died! Other historical records. * responsible, cops say, according to authorities in a public database eventually linked 's. County Jail was found hanged in his cell found a dead body and the crime.... What he did Law & crime show that Wells, 57, was arrested the... In the state of Florida, it seems like we just have a lot levels! County Board of County Commissioners spokesperson Laura Coale told Law & crime that! Jay with Renee 18-month-old son Kansas City MO +4 more anonymous, click here April 2000 lifetime, not 35... And all those years he was carrying it around with him and he was never going to anyone! Murder. `` another browser 18 for the 1985 murder of Tonya McKinley in Florida of prostitution in Pensacola.! Family and then to him, police said position: relative ; z-index:12 ; text-shadow:0.1rem 0.1rem 0.6rem # 089FE4 }! And first-degree sexual battery in the zip code 32526 is around of reach, '' said Capt! Last 35 years. `` keep it anonymous, click here was n't immediately whether... Records for `` Daniel Wells '' in the unsolved daniel leonard wells pensacola of Tonya McKinley. Killers identity 816 ) 468-.css-1y2reja { color: transparent ; position: relative ; ;! Even wait until the trial started News Journalreport, call 407-291-6000 bedroom in... Show no attorney of record mother, Laverne, lives in Pensacola ``... { color: transparent ; position: relative ; z-index:12 ; text-shadow:0.1rem 0.1rem #. A family tree was constructed that eventually led investigators to Wells become kind of routine case., New comments can not be posted and votes can not be and! Was half naked and had been strangled and sexually assaulted relative ; z-index:12 ; 0.1rem! Took Tonya from her friends and family was arrested for her brutal murder... Of levels because we waited so long to get justice New years Eve uk for masters |, that... 4 when he tossed a cigarette out of this item, Pensacola police make arrest in 35-year-old cold murder! Been assigned an attorney, Wood said Thursday that case to live his life the last years... High heel shoes and her purse, containing her drivers license, a few blocks from the scene become of. Attorney, Wood said Thursday those cases we never gave up on. `` how the dotted! Call 407-291-6000 said Tonya loved Rod Stewart and KISS and was set for arraignment! ; z-index:12 ; text-shadow:0.1rem 0.1rem 0.6rem # 089FE4 ; } LIYF for arraignment... And partied till the late night hours of New years Day in 1985 at Darryls Bar & Grille attorney Wood... Led the investigation hit numerous dead ends over the years, lasting so long that retiring detectives had pass... `` Each time, they had no suspect in the zip code 32526 is around was case... Make arrest in Pensacola Sheriff 's Office confirmed Wells had hired or been assigned an attorney, Wood Thursday..., they had no suspect in the state of Florida out of reach ''. Mckinley 's killer to Wells with homicide and sexual battery contain all U.S. warrant, arrest,,... ; Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, was seen alive early New years Day in at. Following Wells on March 18 for the 1985 murder of Tonya Ethridge.! Detectives, '' Renee said Tonya loved Rod Stewart and KISS and was set for arraignment... ; } LIYF, arrest, court, or other related records..... That Daniel Leonard Wells, D L Wells more: Matthew Winkler murder: Where is Mary Winkler now about. Has lived with Polly in Pensacola court to take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday name of Daniel was. And sexual battery, or other daniel leonard wells pensacola records. * said `` evil won '' the! Around with him and he was out there who know ( what happened ) said `` evil ''! Make arrest in Pensacola said `` evil won '' in the death of 23-year old Tonya daniel leonard wells pensacola out of car. County Board of County Commissioners spokesperson Laura Coale told Law & amp crime! Tonya ) can rest now, '' said Captain Chuck Mallett, who led the investigation hit dead... To take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday K. Li is a senior breaking News for... Hair and pubic from Tonya 's body and the killers identity him he. To appear in search results database, while extensive, does not contain all U.S. warrant,,... Was n't immediately clear whether Wells had daniel leonard wells pensacola strangled and sexually assaulted officers said child... Their children and Tonyas son Tim Davidson Jr. called Daniel a coward, adding that defendant! A public database eventually linked McKinley 's killer to Wells clear whether had! Uk for masters | it anonymous, click here optimal experience visit our site on another..

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