OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A Transportation Security Administration officer accused of killing his estranged wife was denied bond Tuesday morning.
Herve Placide, 49, faced a judge at the Osceola County Jail after being charged with first-degree murder in Magalie Placide's death.
"Are you looking to have a public defender?" the judge asked.
"Yes ma'am, correct," Herve replied.
According to deputies, Magalie Placide's body was found about 6 a.m. Monday in a van parked at a Walgreens in Poinciana. After the discovery, detectives were also investigating at nearby home on Van Loon Court.
Photos: Suspect, scene images
Records show the home is owned by the Placides, who were in the midst of going through a divorce, according to court documents.
"Our understanding is that they were recently separated and he was not living at the residence where she resided," said Twis Lizasuain of the Sheriff's Office.
Investigators believe Placide went to his estranged wife's home, kidnapped her and then killed her, leaving behind children without either of their parents just days before Christmas.
"In the morning I heard very loud, angry voices," said neighbor Maritza Rezex. "Woke me up and then I saw a car driving swiftly across the road."
The Sheriff's Office said Herve Placide voluntarily met with investigators late Monday afternoon, but his cooperation didn't last long.
"After a while, he did not cooperate with the investigation," said Lizasuain.
Deputies said it's unclear exactly what led up to the woman's slaying.
Herve Placide was arrested in 2011 for domestic battery against his wife.
TSA released a statement about the case to Eyewitness News:
"TSA extends our condolences to the family for their tragic loss. Appropriate action will be taken pending the outcome of the investigation."