West Palm Beach Man Accused of Murder Dies in State Custody

Victim's family left without closure after suspect's death

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Nikolas LaFountain, who was charged with the 2021 murder of his roommate Michael Wilson, has died while in state custody. LaFountain's case had been stalled due to mental health issues that rendered him incompetent to stand trial, leaving the Wilson family without the closure of a conviction.

Why it matters

The death of the accused murderer in custody has deprived the victim's family of the opportunity for justice and closure through a trial. This case highlights the challenges faced by the criminal justice system in dealing with defendants with mental health issues.

The details

LaFountain was charged with first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing and bludgeoning his roommate Michael Wilson in 2021. However, mental health issues had repeatedly rendered LaFountain incompetent to stand trial, leading to a cycle of court hearings without a resolution. The cause of LaFountain's death in a mental health hospital has not been disclosed.

  • In 2021, LaFountain allegedly murdered his roommate Michael Wilson.
  • In February 2024, LaFountain was briefly deemed competent before being involuntarily detained under Florida's Baker Act.
  • By January 2025, LaFountain was again found incompetent to stand trial.
  • In February 2026, LaFountain died while in state custody.

The players

Nikolas LaFountain

The West Palm Beach man charged with the 2021 murder of his roommate Michael Wilson.

Michael Wilson

The victim of the alleged 2021 murder by Nikolas LaFountain.

Jim and D.J. Wilson

The parents of the victim, Michael Wilson.

Dominique Russo

The attorney who once represented Nikolas LaFountain.

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What they’re saying

“We don't know how to feel. We don't know what to think. There won't be a trial, which is good, right? But, there won't be a trial and a conviction. There won't be earthly justice.”

— Wilson family (WPBF 25 News)

“A young, healthy man should not be dying in the custody of a medical treatment facility that is meant to protect him. We are working with the police to investigate the cause of death and bring justice for his family.”

— Dominique Russo, Attorney (WPBF 25 News)

What’s next

The Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office will now inform the court that the prosecution has ended due to LaFountain's passing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges faced by the criminal justice system in dealing with defendants with mental health issues, and the devastating impact it can have on the victim's family when the accused dies in custody without a trial and conviction.