Registered sex offender accused of raping, trying to kill Orange County woman appears in court

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A man accused of raping and trying to kill an Orange County woman was back in court on Monday.

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Orange County deputies arrested 54-year-old Bruce Whitehead in December of 2022.

Authorities say Whitehead offered a ride to a woman and then drove her to a secluded area and then assaulted her.

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“Personally, I would qualify him as a monster. That’s my personal take. The sheriff’s office, we do believe him to be a danger to the community,” said Cor. Evan Avila with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators believe the attack was particularly violent. The victim reported fearing for her life.

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Whitehead faces charges including sexual battery, attempted first-degree murder, and kidnapping with the intent to inflict harm.

This isn’t Whitehead’s first run-in with the law. Court records show he’s a registered sex offender, convicted of a similar crime in the 1980s.

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Jury selection for Whitehead’s trial is set to begin Tuesday.

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