A Florida man is in custody facing a slew of charges, including open murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping, following a harrowing incident that began on April 28th.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), deputies responded to a 911 call at approximately 5:20 p.m. on April 28th from a driver who reported finding a severely injured woman on Douglas Ferry Road. The victim told deputies that 40-year-old David Earl Gipson had come to her home, become violent, and brutally attacked her.
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The victim reported that Gipson bound and gagged her, threatened her life, and repeatedly beat her with a blunt object. She told deputies that Gipson sexually assaulted her before taking her to his residence. There, the abuse allegedly continued, culminating in Gipson placing her in a container in his yard.
Miraculously, the victim managed to escape the container and flee to a nearby roadway, where a passing motorist discovered her and called for help. She is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
Following the initial report, Gipson fled the area. The WCSO issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of sexual battery, aggravated battery with a weapon, and false imprisonment.
The next day, deputies successfully located Gipson in a wooded area and took him into custody.
Tragically, the investigation then led deputies to the victim’s residence, where they discovered the victim’s 74-year-old mother deceased inside. Authorities reported that the victim’s mother had injuries consistent with a beating.
On May 1st, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office announced the additional charges against Gipson, which now include open murder, aggravated battery of a person 65 years or older, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, sexual assault, abuse of a dead human body, and kidnapping. He is currently being held without bond.
Washington County Sheriff Kevin Crews commended the swift actions of the deputies and the concerned citizen who reported the injured victim.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with further information related to this case to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 850-638-6111. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 850-638-TIPS (8477) or via email at tips@wcso.us.
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