Man arrested after killing former Cocoa city councilman, 75, during burglary, police say

COCOA, Fla. — The man suspected of killing a former Cocoa city councilman in his home Friday evening is in custody, Cocoa police said.

Officers said Matthew Inklebarger, 42, was taken into custody Saturday night and is being held without bond on federal charges. Police said he is the suspect in the death of James Wallen, 75.

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Wallen served as Cocoa’s District 2 councilman from 1979-1981 and again from 1983-1986. Officials said he also worked as a teacher in the community for three decades.

“He was a part of this community for a very long time,” Sgt. Doug Levine, who leads the Criminal Investigations Division, said. “He gave back to the community, him and his family and with this tragedy, our hearts truly go out to the family.”

Video: Cocoa police discuss investigation into killing of former city council member Cocoa police provided new details into the killing of former Cocoa City Council member James Walden, 75, in a news conference on Monday.

Officers said Inklebarger randomly broke into Wallen’s home on Manor Drive. They said Wallen was killed during the confrontation, and several items were stolen from his home.

According to court records, Wallen’s wife wasn’t home during the incident and returned home to find the back window of the home smashed and her husband dead inside, his wedding band missing from his hand.

“We want our community to know, and the victim’s neighbors to know that they are no longer in danger from this individual,” Levine said. “I’m proud of our entire team for their hard work and diligence in this effort to make sure this suspect was apprehended with enough evidence to keep him locked up for good.”

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Police said Inklebarger’s friend, Cecilia Poteet, 43, was also arrested in connection with the crime. Court records say she pawned Wallen’s wedding band.

Investigators said Inklebarger is being held on federal charges of violating probation. Levine said he has a lengthy criminal history.

“He’s no stranger to jail and prison,” Levine said.

Levine said charges of first-degree murder and burglary are pending.

Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.

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