Man Allegedly Kills New Wife, Kidnaps Friend
POSTED: Friday, November 6, 2009
UPDATED: 11:59 am EST November 6,
2009
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- A Florida newlywed allegedly killed his bride and kidnapped a friend before surrendering to deputies after a dramatic six-hour standoff.
Charles Edwin Duke, 23, was taken Thursday into custody in Levy County. Investigators say he fatally shot 22-year-old Felicia Fine Duke in an argument at their Cedar Key home, then fled with a friend who was staying with them.
Authorities caught on after the friend, Justin White, secretly sent a cryptic text message to the victim's sister.
Duke finally called the sheriff himself, saying his wife's body was in a nearby hunting camp and he had a hostage.
The scene finally ended in a wilderness area where locals go mud-bogging. Duke asked to speak with his father, and surrendered after deputies found him and the two talked.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.