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Man accused in slaying of woman, 80, faces judge

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Marcus Royal was all smiles when he was booked into the Brevard County jail late Wednesday afternoon.

On Thursday, dressed in a padded vest with both his wrists and ankles shackled, he was smiling again, just before making his first appearance on charges of murder, attempted murder, burglary and violation of probation.

When Cocoa police entered the Fiske Boulevard home of Faye Jones, 80, and found her duct taped body.

Jones' neighbor Michael Fallon was inside of the home too. He was suffering from a head wound.

Police said Royal killed Jones and critically injured Fallon.

"They think [Fallon] might have some brain damage," said neighbor Betty Robinson.

Robinson told Chanel 9's Melonie Holt that she, Fallon and Jones counted on one another.

She said she hasn't rested well since the crime that claimed Jones' life and left Fallon hospitalized. But, she feels a bit more at ease knowing a suspect is in custody.

"He needs to be put away somewhere permanent," said Robinson.

Royal turned himself in to police after making his way to Virginia. But, according to police that was only after he called a friend and told her he'd killed two people and needed her to wire him some cash.

When the victims' bank cards were used in Seminole County, police were able to quickly identify Royal as their suspect.

"As to whether the state will seek the death penalty, that's something we'll review between now and when the grand jury meets," said assistant state attorney Gary Beatty.

Royal is being held without bond in the Brevard County Jail.