Family of Brevard County murder victim speaks out

2 people attacked in Cocoa home

COCOA, Fla. – The families of two people brutally attacked inside a Cocoa home more than a year and a half ago spoke out Tuesday for the first time.

Officials said Marcus Royal killed Faye Jones, 80, and critically injured her neighbor Michael Fallon, 59, in March 2013. Fallon died after fighting to stay alive since the March 2013 attack and his family wants Royal to be charged with his murder.

"I miss him so much. I loved him so much," said Fallon's sister Debbie Pierzynski as she fought back tears.

Fallon was checking up on Jones after she failed to make it to church. When he knocked on her door, police said Marcus Royal answered, invited him in and brutally attacked him, just like he'd done earlier to Jones.

Investigators said Royal went into the 80-year-old's home at random, tied her up and stabbed her to death. They call it one of the most senseless and heartless crimes they have ever seen.

"She was the most wonderful woman and mother that you could ever have," said Jones' son Ivan.

Royal was charged with Jones' murder and Fallon's attempted murder, but now that Fallon has died from complications to the injuries he suffered in Royal's alleged beating, the state attorney's office is looking into filing a new murder charge against Royal.

"This man shouldn't see the light of day. He should not step on solid ground," said Pierzynski. "What a horrific thing he's done to these people."

Royal has also been charged in the murder of another elderly woman, Ann Mull of Rockledge. Investigators said the victims were unlucky to have crossed paths with someone who targeted defenseless, elderly women.

Royal has already been sentenced to life in prison for violating his probation on 1993 sexual battery convictions. His trial on the most recent charges starts sometime next year.


About the Author:

Justin Warmoth joined News 6 in 2013 and is now a morning news anchor.

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