WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — New details were released regarding one of the most heinous crimes committed in Winter Springs.
Eyewitness News first reported in June 2011 when police arrested 30-year-old Jeffery Tilton, who they said kidnapped and killed his neighbor and then stuffed her body in a box.
Court documents obtained by WFTV on Monday indicate Tilton may try to use a medical defense.
Forty-four-year-old Marie Alers was slain last June at her Winter Springs apartment complex.
Tilton, her downstairs neighbor, admitted to police he grabbed Alers as she walked by, dragged her into his apartment and killed her.
“She's walking up to her home and there was no reason for her to suspect anything,” said Winter Springs Police Chief Kevin Brunelle.
However, court documents show the defense may be planning an insanity defense.
Attorneys just got permission to send Tilton to a Lake Mary Diagnostics Center, where they want an MRI performed on his brain.
WFTV legal expert Bill Sheaffer said it is a clear indication they are looking for a mental or medical condition, "such as insanity or incompetence at the time of the commission of the offense or, now, when he's ready to proceed to trial.”
Tilton had no criminal record and had just gotten engaged to his fiancé, and Eyewitness News was told that he and Alers were nothing more than neighbors.
Alers’ sunglasses, an earring and gym bag led police right to Tilton's front door and he willingly let police inside. Police found her naked body stuffed in a box, but Tilton never told police a motive.
“Certainly a good defense attorney notices those red flags and now they're acting accordingly,” said Sheaffer.
Tilton's trial likely won't start until later this year. He pleaded not guilty to first-degree premeditated murder, attempted sexual battery and kidnapping.
Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty.
WFTV
