- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Palm Bay Today
By the People, for the People
Teen Charged with Dismembering Man Found in Suitcases at 'The Compound'
Police say the 19-year-old suspect told his girlfriend he wanted to kill sex offenders and had a list of nearby registered offenders.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:41pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The discovery of human remains in suitcases at a neglected local park has sparked renewed calls for action to address longstanding issues of public safety and blight.Palm Bay TodayA 19-year-old man named Lucas Jones has been charged with murder after police say he killed 28-year-old Colie Daniel, dismembered the body, and dumped the remains in suitcases at a local park known as 'The Compound' in Palm Bay, Florida. According to a new police affidavit, Jones told his girlfriend that he had killed someone and cut them up, and that he specifically wanted to target sex offenders, even printing a list of registered offenders living nearby.
Why it matters
This gruesome murder has renewed concerns about the long-neglected Compound park, where authorities believe more bodies could potentially be found if the area is finally developed. The case also raises questions about how to prevent such targeted violence against registered sex offenders, even as their crimes warrant public scrutiny.
The details
Police say Jones and Daniel lived about a half-mile apart in Indialantic, and on March 20, Daniel told his parents he was going to Jones' house, but never returned home. Authorities later found one suitcase containing Daniel's remains in the tall grass of The Compound, though some body parts are still missing. Jones allegedly told his girlfriend that he 'killed somebody and cut him up.' The affidavit also states that Jones had printed a list of nearby registered sex offenders, indicating he may have specifically targeted Daniel, who was 28 years old.
- On March 20, the victim Colie Daniel told his parents he was going to the suspect Lucas Jones' house.
- Police discovered one suitcase containing Daniel's remains in The Compound this week.
The players
Lucas Jones
A 19-year-old man charged with murder for allegedly killing, dismembering, and dumping the body of 28-year-old Colie Daniel.
Colie Daniel
A 28-year-old man who was killed and dismembered, with his remains found in suitcases at The Compound park.
Kenny Johnson
A Palm Bay city councilman who commented on the gruesome discovery and the city's efforts to finally develop The Compound park, where more bodies could potentially be found.
What they’re saying
“'I killed somebody and cut him up.'”
— Lucas Jones, Suspect
“'Unfortunately, I wasn't surprised.'”
— Kenny Johnson, Palm Bay City Councilman
“'I don't think this is the last one.'”
— Kenny Johnson, Palm Bay City Councilman
What’s next
Police are still reviewing evidence and determining a clearer motive for the murder. They plan to provide more updates next week.
The takeaway
This disturbing case highlights the dangers of targeted violence against registered sex offenders, even as their crimes warrant public scrutiny. It also raises concerns about the long-neglected Compound park, where authorities believe more bodies could potentially be found if the area is finally developed.
