Volusia County

Homeless man is behind bars, charged with murder in Daytona Beach

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A homeless man is behind bars and charged with second-degree murder in the death of another homeless man in Daytona Beach.

Daytona Beach Police responded to a 911 call at Magnolia Avenue and Beach Street around 12:40 a.m. on Saturday.

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According to police, the witness saw the suspect standing over the victim, who was lying motionless on the ground.

First responders found the victim, a 56-year-old white male, with facial injuries and a belt around his neck.

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The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police arrested 49-year-old David M. Mordecai, who was found at the scene with no apparent injuries.

According to police, a broken skateboard and a metal bicycle lock, believed to be used in the attack, were found at the scene. Both items had blood on them.

The victim’s identity is not being released until next of kin can be notified.

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Police confirmed the victim was living on the streets at the time of his death.

The suspect was booked into the Volusia County Jail.

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The motive for the attack is not clear, but it appears that Mordecai and the victim knew one another and had been drinking with each other in the hours before the attack.

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