Masks and Senior Victims: Factors that Make Violent Crimes Worse in Fort Myers

Defendants in Florida should know that there are several “aggravating factors” that can make penalties for violent crimes more severe. Two recent assault cases in Fort Myers highlight some of these factors, which involve masks and senior victims. If you have been accused of a violent crime, you should be aware that the presence of these aggravating factors could lead to more serious penalties.

Man Gets 35 Years for Killing Senior Citizen Outside Naples Bar

 In January of 2025, it was reported that a Fort Myers man had been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of a senior citizen. The incident occurred in 2022 outside a Naples bar, and the defendant was eventually found guilty of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a person 65 or older. He pled no contest.

Police say that the pair were engaged in a physical altercation in the parking lot prior to the shooting. Police were able to identify the suspect relatively easily, as he fled after leaving his credit card on a table in the bar. The defendant also boarded a flight to Europe after the altercation, but he was arrested upon his return at the Fort Lauderdale airport.

Crimes against people over 65 are taken very seriously in Florida. Aside from murder, various assault and battery charges lead to more severe penalties if victims are over 65. Even if the victim had survived the aforementioned shooting, the defendant still would have faced up to 30 years in prison for “aggravated battery on an elderly person.”

 Uber Driver Sentenced to Life for Sex Crimes While Masked in Fort Myers 

Also in January of 2025, a former Uber driver was sentenced to life in prison for sex crimes against one of his passengers. He was convicted of “sexual battery with great force while masked,” and the underlying incident occurred in 2022.

The victim in this case told deputies that the Uber driver had just dropped her off at her apartment complex when she felt someone grab her from behind before throwing her to the ground. She stated that the man committed sex crimes against her and prevented her from calling out for help. However, she was intoxicated at the time of the incident and could not describe either the assailant or his vehicle to police.

Video surveillance did not capture the actual crime. However, it did capture the Uber vehicle stopping and a man putting on a mask while running toward the victim. Ten minutes later, the footage shows the same man running in the opposite direction. The Uber vehicle then leaves the area shortly afterward.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of this case is the presence of a mask. Under Florida law, defendants automatically face more serious consequences if they wear masks while committing offenses.

Can a Fort Myers Defense Attorney Help Me? 

If you have been accused of a violent crime, a Fort Myers criminal defense attorney may be able to help. The presence of masks or senior victims could make it particularly important to seek assistance from one of these legal professionals. With help from The Foley & Wilson Law Firm, it may be possible to dispute the presence of these aggravating factors and pursue more favorable outcomes. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.

Sources: 

miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article298470763.html

naplesnews.com/story/news/crime/2025/01/10/alexander-evans-guilty-murder-senior-citizen-naples-nightclub-cavo-lounge/77593015007/