Discovery at 'The Compound'

On Saturday, the City of Palm Bay Police Department responded to a gruesome scene at 1574 Bombardier Boulevard, a location locally referred to as "the compound." At approximately 10:50 a.m., officers arrived to find several suitcases swarmed by vultures.

Upon inspection, authorities confirmed the suitcases contained human remains. A subsequent search of the immediate area led to the discovery of a second suitcase containing additional remains.

Evidence Links Teen to Crime Scene

Investigators identified 19-year-old Lucas Sander Jones after finding Amazon packages addressed to him inside the suitcases. Following this lead, police executed a search warrant at Jones’s residence, where they encountered his girlfriend and observed visible healed wounds and bruises on Jones's neck and left shoulder.

The girlfriend provided a statement to officers regarding the victim, identified as Colie Lee Daniel. She claimed that on March 20, she observed Daniel lying on Jones’s bed, appearing to be either asleep or unconscious. She stated that Jones attempted to wake Daniel, but after she left the room and returned, Daniel was gone.

Investigation and Arrest

According to the girlfriend, Jones asked her to drive him to "the compound" the following day. She alleged that he removed two gray tote containers from her vehicle and discarded them in separate locations, claiming she was unaware of their contents.

During the search of Jones's home, investigators discovered blood stains and a kitchen knife. This knife reportedly matched another blade found inside one of the suitcases at the crime scene. Jones has been charged with:

  • Tampering with evidence
  • Abuse of a dead human body
  • Transporting a dead human body in an unauthorized container

Jones has since been released from custody after posting a $5,000 bond.