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Palm Bay Today
By the People, for the People
Palm Bay Man Charged in Gruesome Murder, Dismemberment Case
Suspect's girlfriend reveals disturbing details about the crime and cover-up.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:49pm
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A recent wave of violent crime in Palm Bay has exposed the need for greater public safety measures and support for vulnerable populations.Palm Bay TodayA 19-year-old Palm Bay man has been arrested and charged with the murder and dismemberment of a 28-year-old Brevard County man. According to court documents, the suspect, Lucas Jones, allegedly killed the victim, Colie Lee Daniel, with a baseball bat and then cut up his body using various tools. Jones' girlfriend has come forward with a detailed account of the crime and the subsequent cover-up efforts.
Why it matters
This case has shocked the local community and raised concerns about public safety, the handling of sex offenders, and the prevalence of violent crime and illegal dumping in the Palm Bay area. It also highlights the importance of witness cooperation in solving complex murder investigations.
The details
According to the police affidavit, Jones' girlfriend told detectives that he murdered Daniel, a registered sex offender, with a baseball bat and then dismembered the body using a cleaver, saw, and knife. She said Jones had her drive to a remote area known as 'The Compound' to dump the suitcases and totes containing Daniel's remains. Police have not yet found the victim's torso and right arm.
- On March 20, the girlfriend said she found Daniel's already-dismembered body at Jones' home.
- On March 21, Jones instructed his girlfriend to drive to 'The Compound' and dump the suitcases and totes containing Daniel's remains.
- On March 30, the girlfriend provided detectives with a detailed account of the crime and cover-up.
- On April 1, police executed a search warrant at Jones' home and recovered evidence, including a 'wooden box w/ blood slide'.
The players
Lucas Jones
A 19-year-old Palm Bay resident who has been charged with the murder and dismemberment of Colie Lee Daniel.
Colie Lee Daniel
A 28-year-old Brevard County man who was the victim of the alleged murder and dismemberment.
Palm Bay Police Department
The law enforcement agency investigating the murder and dismemberment case.
Brevard County Sheriff's Office
The agency that provided aviation support to the Palm Bay Police Department in their search for evidence.
What they’re saying
“By the time she came over, he was already dismembered in the totes and suitcases that were in the garage.”
— Jones' girlfriend
“Jones coached her and told her what to tell law enforcement.”
— Jones' girlfriend
“She described how he seemed proud of the slides and the location of the hidden collection.”
— Detective
What’s next
Investigators continue to search for the missing torso and right arm of the victim, Colie Lee Daniel. The suspect, Lucas Jones, is being held in the Brevard County jail without bond.
The takeaway
This gruesome murder and dismemberment case has shaken the Palm Bay community and raised concerns about the handling of sex offenders, the prevalence of violent crime, and the importance of witness cooperation in solving complex investigations.
