Former Marine Bryan Riley was accused of killing four people, including a baby in Lakeland. The 33-year-old now faces four counts of first-degree murder and several other charges.
“He’s evil in the flesh,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “He was a rabid animal.”
The incident happened at about 4:30 a.m. on Sunday. Authorities said they discovered a man, a woman and an infant in the mother’s arms — all shot to death. Another woman, who is 62 years old, was hiding in the closet in another house and was fatally shot.
When deputies arrived, the suspect opened fire on them. Windows and doors were left riddled with bullet holes. “He was a coward,” said the sheriff. The suspect was wearing body armor but surrendered after he was shot.
The suspect allegedly told authorities he was a survivalist and high on meth. He also shared this riveting detail. “He just explained that they begged for their life and that he just shot them anyway,” said Judd.
The suspect is being held on bond in the Polk County Jail and has not yet entered a plea.