Orange County

‘Brutal rapist’ sought after woman mutilated in Orange County, deputies say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County deputies are asking for help finding a man they described as a “brutal rapist” with “unmistakable” tattoos.

Deputies said Bruce Whitehead, 54, raped, mutilated and tried to kill a woman off Pine Hills Road near North Lane on Dec. 10.

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Investigators said the woman got into a car with Whitehead early Saturday morning on Orange Blossom Trail. They said he then drove around before opening the door to the car, telling her to get out while holding a knife to her throat. The woman told deputies he then forced her to go with him, raped her, somehow mutilated her and tried to kill her.

Deputies said the woman was able to fight Whitehead off and ran for help at a nearby intersection.

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“In my time here at the sheriff’s office, this is probably one of the more egregious offenses,” said Cpl. Evan Avila.

Deputies said Whitehead spent 30 years in prison for committing rape and attempted murder in the 1980s. He is a registered sexual predator.

“Personally, I would qualify him as a monster,” Avila said. “That’s my personal take on that. The sheriff’s office, we do believe him to be a danger to the community.”

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Whitehead has the word “sacrifice” tattooed across his forehead as well as several other distinguishable facial tattoos. But deputies said he may be wearing a hat that covers a portion of the tattoos.

If you spot him, you are asked to call 911 immediately.

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Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.

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