State To Seek Death Penalty In Naomi Jones Case

June 20, 2017

Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against the convicted sex offender that allegedly kidnapped, murdered and dumped the body of 12-year old Naomi Jones.

State Attorney Bill Eddins said Tuesday afternoon that an Escambia County Grand Jury has returned a first degree felony indictment for premeditated murder against convicted sex offender Robert Letroy Howard, 38. He is also charged with failure to register as a sex offender in the State of Florida.

Authorities say Howard was living with his girlfriend in the same apartment complex in which Jones lived in the 1400 block of East Johnson Avenue. He lived in a nearly adjacent apartment to Jones. She was last seen May 31 in that apartment complex.

Jones likely died within 24 to 36 hours after her May 31 disappearance, Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said. Her body was then later dumped into Eight Mile Creek, some 4-5 miles away, where it was found days later by two men looking for a fishing location.

Morgan said investigators believe Howard acted alone.

Howard was convicted in 1999 on two counts of first degree rape to two adult females in Escambia County, AL. One of the victims was 19-years old at the time. He served 15 years.

Comments

10 Responses to “State To Seek Death Penalty In Naomi Jones Case”

  1. Matchbox on June 22nd, 2017 4:49 pm

    Why was he even out of prison to begin with..that is where we need to start..sex offenders don’t change..

  2. Traci on June 22nd, 2017 4:22 am

    Death… Then when you leave this earth God can judge you..I work hard to pay this low life s.o.b… To live off my money I have to pay to eat. Sleep. Etc.. An pay for him to smh sad

  3. Gary on June 21st, 2017 2:48 pm

    This low life should have received the death penalty at time of arrest.

  4. Heartfelt on June 21st, 2017 8:56 am

    So very sorry for this family, their loss is one of the most unimaginable… I wish time could rewind and things be differant..But as I know that is impossible. but I still wish it could be for her sake..Naomi’s sake. The only comfort to come from this has to be that justice will be done for this baby.That no other child lose their life in such a way as this sweet child was forced to face..I cant think about it right now..cause when I do..My whole heart calapses with pain and sorrow..for her..for her mother..for her father..for her loved ones left to try and go on in life without her beautiful little soul.:,, (.To Naomi’s Family: Sincerely yours, with the greatest of Sympathy

  5. Shay on June 21st, 2017 8:15 am

    I’m with Sam on this one. The thing about the death penalty is that it isn’t swift. This poor child didn’t have have years to contest her death why should her killer. I say bring back hangings in the town square. I know. I know. He has rights too(insert sarcasm)

  6. Stephanie on June 20th, 2017 8:16 pm

    You can’t keep doing wrong and think you won’t get punished, whether here on earth or afterlife. SMH

  7. Sam on June 20th, 2017 5:14 pm

    And he will spend the reat of his life in prison with A C,a roof over his head, food, and breathing Gods good air. That’s not justice.

  8. Huzz on June 20th, 2017 3:41 pm

    DEATH!!!!

  9. Beegee on June 20th, 2017 2:57 pm

    Amen!!!

  10. Elliott J. Jones on June 20th, 2017 2:57 pm

    I’m confident that a competent jury will be selected and Justice will be served. Words cannot explain the feeling that is flowing through my body right now. As a Law Enforcement Officer and someone who is very close to this family, I hope this brings some form of comfort to you all, knowing that Justice will be swift. My hat goes off to my Brothers/Sisters in Blue, and the many civilians who assisted in the search for Naomi.