A 19-year-old Indialantic, Florida, resident has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the killing and dismemberment of a registered sex offender whose partial remains were discovered in suitcases at a remote Palm Bay location last week. The Palm Bay Police Department released a detailed arrest affidavit on Wednesday, April 2, 2026, outlining the case against the suspect.
Suspect Identified and Charges Filed
Lucas Sander Jones, 19, of Watson Drive in Indialantic, is accused of killing 28-year-old Colie Lee Daniel on or around March 20, 2026, at Jones’ residence. A five-page affidavit sworn by Palm Bay Detective H. Branch describes allegations of premeditated violence, methodical dismemberment, and a vigilante motive linked to Daniel’s status on the sex offender registry.
Jones was initially taken into custody on March 29 on charges of tampering with evidence, abuse of a dead human body, and improper disposal of human remains. Prosecutors subsequently elevated the case to second-degree murder following the results of a forensic investigation.
How the Investigation Unfolded
The case began on March 25 when a group of explorers discovered human remains inside suitcases near 1574 Bombardier Boulevard in Palm Bay, a secluded area locally known as “The Compound.” Investigators found a torso wrapped in black trash bags inside a hard-shell suitcase along with a severed right leg. A second suitcase contained a left leg. Additional remains were found in a plastic storage tote.
Detectives used surveillance camera footage to trace a white Honda Civic to the area during the timeframe the remains were deposited. The vehicle was linked to Jones through his girlfriend, Savanna Burrows, who was listed as a co-owner. GPS and license plate recognition data confirmed the car made two trips to the location on the night of March 22 into March 23.
Evidence and Witness Statements
According to the affidavit, Burrows told investigators that she arrived at Jones’ residence after the killing had occurred and witnessed him cleaning the scene. She described seeing Jones with visible injuries consistent with a physical struggle. The couple then allegedly loaded containers into the Honda and drove to the remote disposal site.
In a sworn statement on March 30, Burrows recanted an earlier version of events she said Jones had coached her to tell police. She stated that Jones explicitly told her his motive: Daniel was a registered sex offender, and Jones “wanted to kill him.” According to Burrows, Jones had printed a list of nearby registered sex offenders using his laptop before the incident. Jones’ mother reportedly found and discarded the laptop before authorities executed a search warrant.
Forensic Evidence
Investigators recovered significant physical evidence during searches of Jones’ home and vehicle. Blood consistent with Daniel’s was found in the bathtub, on the bathroom floor, and in the vehicle’s trunk. Detectives also recovered a machete, knives with apparent biological residue, and microscope slides that Jones allegedly used to preserve samples of Daniel’s blood.
DNA analysis confirmed the remains belonged to Daniel. Authorities noted that a hacksaw blade found in the vehicle bore cutting marks consistent with those observed on the recovered bones.
Victim’s Background
Colie Lee Daniel was a registered sex offender who lived on Shannon Avenue in Indialantic, near Jones’ residence. Daniel had been convicted in 2017 of lewd and lascivious molestation involving a child under the age of 12 and possession of images depicting child sexual abuse. He was sentenced to time served and probation.
Current Legal Status
Jones remains in custody at the Brevard County Jail Complex. He was denied bail on the murder charge during his first appearance hearing. A formal arraignment date has not yet been publicly announced.
As with all criminal cases, the charges filed against Lucas Sander Jones are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.