Charges Dropped in Lee County Murder Case: “I Never Threatened Her”

Prosecutors in Lee County have dropped witness tampering charges against the family of a murder suspect. Initially, the family was accused of warning a co-defendant’s mother not to speak with law enforcement about the case. However, prosecutors reportedly found “new evidence” that showed this story was a complete fabrication. What can you do if you face witness tampering charges in Lee County?

Prosecutors Drop Charges Against Murder Suspect’s Family 

In May of 2025, multiple sources reported that prosecutors had dropped witness tampering charges against the family of a murder suspect in Cape Coral. Initially, the parents and the aunt of a murder suspect were accused of taking the co-defendant’s mother to a park and threatening her if she spoke with law enforcement.

The case stems from a 2024 murder that claimed the life of a teenager. The teen was reportedly walking with her friends after seeing a movie when she was shot and killed. Two teenagers were arrested in connection with the robbery and murder.

One of the family members accused of witness tampering states that she “never threatened her.” She also complained that the entire debacle was “traumatizing,” and she claims that the authorities constantly told her that she was going to prison.

According to these family members, prosecutors dropped the witness tampering charges after they received a voice recording of some kind. It seems that they did in fact meet with the co-defendant’s mother, but at no point did the family threaten this individual.

Fox 4 reports that earlier in the case, the family claimed to have a voice recording of a telephone conversation with the co-defendant’s mother. In this conversation, the mother allegedly admitted that her son was the one who killed the victim. The family also claims that the mother admitted to disposing of the firearm. At this point in time, authorities received reports that this family was threatening the mother of the other co-defendant.

Despite this complex string of events, the murder trial is scheduled to go ahead as planned with no changes.

What Is the Penalty for Witness Tampering in a Murder Case?

 The penalties for witness tampering depend on the underlying case. If you engage in this misconduct during a relatively minor criminal case, you may face a third degree felony. However, witness tampering can become a first degree felony or a life felony if it occurs during the investigation or prosecution of a murder.

Can a Lee County Defense Attorney Help With Witness Tampering Charges? 

Witness tampering is a serious offense in Florida, especially if the offense is connected with a murder trial. However, this recent case shows that many alleged reports of witness tampering are false. If you face witness tampering charges, an experienced Fort Myers and Naples defense attorney may be able to help you push back and expose the truth. Speak with The Foley & Wilson Law Firm to discuss the next steps in your defense strategy.

Sources:

 fox4now.com/cape-coral/charges-dropped-family-of-cape-coral-murder-suspect-no-longer-being-prosecuted

gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/family-teen-murder-suspect-cleared-witness-tampering/64692508

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0900-0999/0914/Sections/0914.22.html