Police in Florida have announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the killing of a Daytona Beach restaurant manager.
The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports that officers arrested Michael Harris Jr., 20, for the murder of Bobby Scott, 63. Scott went missing on January 17 after meeting Harris for sex on a dating app. Officers have charged Harris with second-degree murder with a deadly weapon, and allege that he killed Scott within hours of their meeting.
“Michael Harris has a history of posing as a gay prostitute and blackmailing and robbing the victims, and in this case, murdering the victim,” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood told reporters.
Related: Teen accused of murdering 15-year-old boyfriend to prevent outing
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Bobby Scott’s husband, whose name has not been released to the media, reported Scott missing the evening of January 17. The two had an open relationship, and Scott had advised him that he was meeting a man from a dating app for sex. When Scott failed to return, law enforcement used the OnStar technology in Scott’s car to track the vehicle and eventually discovered it in Harris’ possession.
At the time, Harris claimed that he’d paid Scott to borrow the vehicle for a week. He also claimed he’d driven Scott to Orlando and dropped him off to meet a friend.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had never left Volusia County, and discovered bloody fingerprints belonging to Harris in the car. Investigators now theorize that Harris and Scott met the afternoon of January 17. Scott drove the pair to a vacant lot in DeLand for sex, where Harris beat him to death with either a 2-by-4 or glass bottle. He then dumped Scott’s body in a vacant lot. Law enforcement also believes Harris killed Scott for possession of the car, as he carried no cash at the time.
Michael Harris is currently being held without bail in the Volusia County Branch Jail. Investigators have also said he will likely face additional charges, including carjacking.
Vince
Wow. This dumb and dangerous thug has a clear history of meeting older gay guys just to rob them. Obviously he meant to do the same thing to Bobby and it turned into a murder instead. A second-degree murder charge just doesn’t seem to be enough.
At least it’s off the streets now.
Harley
Reason # 5325 to not pick up guys on GRINDR. Especially if you’re an older man looking for a hustler.
BarSmith35
Sounds like u know that dating app so well.
Openminded
“2nd degree Murder with a deadly weapon”. Never heard of that charge before. Is there such a thing as 2nd degree Murder with a non-deadly weapon?
Tombear
If you want a quality ho go to Rentmen!
BarSmith35
You sound like from experience where anyone should go
cuteguy
Why wasn’t he charged with a hate crime? Of course BLM is quiet on this one bc the don’t care about gay ppl.
Ditamo
Man, this guy lived near where I lived, maybe like 3 mins away. When I lived in FL we even exchanged messages a few times. Crazy to think that this happened. I feel like I’ve seen the murderer’s profile too. Insane.
tjack47
The photo of Michael Harris is incorrectly captioned. It matters. I do hope you correct it in any future publication.