COCOA, Fla. – A Brevard County grand jury has indicted Matthew Inklebarger for first-degree premeditated murder in the August killing of former Cocoa City Councilman James “Jim” Wallen, News 6 partner Florida Today reports. The grand jury also returned indictments charging Inklebarger, 42, of Palm Bay with armed burglary of a dwelling and petty theft. Inklebarger’s girlfriend, 44-year-old Cecilia Poteet of Cocoa, was later arrested after police said she pawned Wallen’s wedding ring for $175. The grand jury heard testimony from the Brevard County medical examiner, a Brevard County Sheriff’s Office crime scene investigator, and a Cocoa police detective before returning with the indictments. The State Attorney’s Office will work with federal attorneys to secure custody, and Inklebarger will be held without bond at the Brevard County Jail Complex, the news release said.

COCOA, Fla. The second person arrested in connection with the death of former Cocoa City Councilman James Wallen pawned the victims wedding ring with a custom inscription, according to the arrest report. Detectives arrested Matthew Inklebarger, 42, late Saturday in connection with the slaying. One of the items stolen was Wallens wedding band that included an inscription LLW 2 JAW and their wedding date 8/24/68. Detectives said the ring was taken off the victims finger and Poteet sold it at Cash America Pawn for $175 the same day of the burglary and homicide. Poteet told detectives she sold the ring and knew it didnt belong to her.

COCOA, Fla. – A 75-year-old former Cocoa City Councilman was slain Friday afternoon during a random break-in at his home, police said. Cocoa police identified the victim as James Wallen, who served as District 2 Councilman from 1979-1981 and 1983-1986. Authorities said numerous leads helped them identify Inklebarger, who had federal warrants for probation violations, as the primary suspect. Levine credited the skilled detective work for the quick turnaround. Jim Wallen, 75, was a retired teacher and former Cocoa City Councilman.