Digest

Crime journal

By Times Staff Writer
Published September 18, 2007

TAMPA

Murder suspect faces escape trial

With David Lee Onstott's first-degree murder trial on hold indefinitely pending an appeal of pretrial rulings, prosecutors plan to try him next week on charges of escape and failing to register as a sex offender. On Monday, Circuit Judge Ronald Ficarrotta denied Onstott's motion for a change of venue. Assistant Public Defender John Skye argued it will be "impossible" for Onstott to get a fair trial in Hillsborough County given the publicity surrounding his arrest in the death of Sarah Lunde in April 2005. Onstott, 39, is likely to go on trial for the failure to register case first, then the charge that he attempted to scratch his way out of his jail cell, a prosecutor said.

PLANT CITY

Man accused of shooting into car

A 22-year-old man was arrested early Monday, accused of four counts of attempted first-degree murder. Alexander Guzman was held without bail at the Hillsborough County jail after deputies arrested him in connection with an August 2006 shooting at a Plant City food mart, said Plant City Sgt. Jim Shultz. Investigators say Guzman fired into a car with four people inside, Shultz said. Augustine Heredia, 24, and Anthony Weimar, 25, were injured. Guzman knew two of the people, but investigators say they don't know of a motive.

[Last modified September 17, 2007, 23:24:11]