Fort Myers men indicted for capital murder in separated drug sale, armed robbery deaths
Two Fort Myers men, one linked to a drug-related death and the other connected to an armed robbery, will face possible death penalties after a Lee County grand jury returned indictments against them Wednesday.
State Attorney Amira Fox announced the indictments the same day. Lee County has eight men already on death row and the courts a jury this week returned a recommendation for a ninth, Wade Wilson, a convicted killer.
Michael Maree indicted in fentanyl death
Michael Maree, 66, was indicted for one count of first-degree murder related to the unlawful distribution of fentanyl causing death, a capital Felony; and sale or delivery of a controlled substance, a second-degree felony, for the death of Nick Adams, 36, who died after being given fentanyl.
Adams died Jan. 1, when Maree invited him to his Fort Myers home to sell the drugs. While in the Maree's driveway, Adams received a plastic bag with a powdery substance inside, Fox said.
After he snorted the substance, Adams immediately fell and died. The Lee County Sheriff’s Officeresponded to investigate. The substance tested positive for fentanyl.
Fox said the Medical Examiner confirmed Adams' cause of death was due to acute fentanyl toxicity.
Wade Wilson: Jury splits vote, recommends death penalty for Wade Wilson in double-murder
Maree was arrested Jan. 1 on separate charges, accusing him of possessing explosives at his home.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office said that while detectives were working an investigation in the 9000 block of Belleza Way, an unrelated investigation began involving Maree.
The sheriff's office said detectives established probable cause to obtain a search warrant for Maree's residence.
Detectives found what appeared to be parts associated with hand grenades and a firearm suppressor inside a toolbox, the sheriff's office said.
Members of the sheriff's office's bomb squad also investigated. Authorities noted the shells could be converted into useable grenades "with only minor manipulation."
They found multiple mercury switches — electrical devices that open and close circuits — which could set up anti-tampering devices for the explosives.
Additionally, authorities said, a small container with two pieces of suspected explosives, along with a railroad torpedo, were found inside the toolbox. Wikipedia reports that a railway torpedo is a typically coin-sized device used as a loud warning signal to train drivers. When the wheel of the train passes over, it explodes, emitting a loud bang.
The sheriff's office said Fort Myers Fire's Hazmat Unit responded and assisted with testing the evidence.
The testing yielded positive for illegal explosive compounds, the sheriff's office said. In addition, the torpedo tested positive for black powder, which is also illegal to possess.
Stemming from that incident, Maree faces charges of making, possessing, throwing, projecting, placing, discharging or attempting to manipulate any destructive device.
Maree's arraignment date was not available Wednesday evening. He was arrested during a Wednesday traffic stop, Fox said.
Courtney Parchman indicted following deadly armed robbery
Courtney Parchman, 31, arrested June 5 for his role in a deadly armed robbery at Royal Jacks Arcade, at Pondella and Moody roads, in North Fort Myers, was also indicted Wednesday for capital first-degree murder.
The homicide happened during the early morning hours June 1.
The indictment lists three counts — first-degree murder; robbery by discharge of a firearm causing death or great bodily harm; and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
According to the indictment, the last charge happened between June 1 and June 5.
The indictment says that after the security guard was fatally shot, Parchman stole an undisclosed amount of currency and knowingly altered, destroyed, concealed or removed any record, document or item with the purpose to impair its verity or availability in a proceeding or investigation.
Parchman is next due in court July 8 for his arraignment on the capital murder charges.
The sheriff's office said detectives continue to follow up on leads and are investigating any additional witnesses and suspects. They urge that anyone with any information about this case contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS or online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com.
Maree and Parchman are at Lee County Jail without bond.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Two Fort Myers men indicted on capital murder charges
