British man charged with trying to drown daughter-in-law in Florida swimming pool
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British Man Charged with Attempted Drowning of Daughter-in-Law at Florida Swimming Pool
A 62-year-old British man has been charged with attempted second-degree murder and battery after he allegedly tried to drown his daughter-in-law in a Florida resort pool, sparking concern over family conflict and legal accountability. This account examines who Mark Raymond Gibbon is, how law enforcement intervened, the sequence of events at Solterra Resort in Davenport, the condition of victim Jasmine Wyld, Florida’s legal definitions of attempted murder and battery, the alleged motives behind the dispute, official statements from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the next steps in the judicial process. Readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of this case, its legal implications, and the channels for following updates.
Domestic Violence Statistics in Florida
In 2020, 106,515 crimes of domestic violence were reported to Florida law enforcement agencies, resulting in 63,217 arrests [3, 15]. During fiscal year 2020-21, Florida’s certified domestic violence centers provided 412,360 nights of emergency shelter to 10,287 survivors of domestic violence and their children [3].
This citation provides statistical context for the prevalence of domestic violence in Florida, which is relevant to the case.
Who Is Mark Raymond Gibbon and What Are the Charges Against Him?
Mark Raymond Gibbon is a British national accused of a violent crime during a vacation in Florida, and he now faces serious felony counts that carry lengthy prison terms if convicted. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested him on attempted second-degree murder and battery charges after an incident at the Solterra Resort swimming pool, alleging he deliberately held his daughter-in-law’s head underwater in a struggle.
What Is Mark Gibbon’s Background and Connection to Florida?
Mark Raymond Gibbon, a 62-year-old resident of Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire, England, traveled to Florida on a family holiday that brought him to Davenport’s Solterra Resort. Having no prior criminal record in the United States, Gibbon’s visit was meant as a leisure trip before it turned into a legal crisis that connected his British background with Florida’s justice system. His status as a foreign national adds complexity to consular notifications and potential immigration proceedings, setting the stage for cross-border coordination under the Vienna Convention.
The Role of the Vienna Convention
The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations gives detained or arrested foreign nationals the right to have their consulate notified of their detention or arrest [23, 24]. The United States ratified the VCCR in 1969 [24].
This citation explains the Vienna Convention and its relevance to foreign nationals, which is pertinent to Gibbon’s status as a British national.
What Charges Has Mark Gibbon Faced in Florida?
Mark Gibbon faces two principal counts based on the alleged poolside attack: attempted second-degree murder and battery. The attempted murder charge alleges that he intentionally tried to kill Jasmine Wyld by holding her head underwater, while the battery count addresses unconsented physical harm.
This comparison shows the gravity of each count and the potential sentences facing Gibbon, clarifying the stakes as the case moves forward.
How Did the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Handle the Arrest?
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly after resort security reported a disturbance in the pool area. Deputies arrived within minutes, secured the scene, and placed Gibbon under arrest without further incident. He was booked into the Polk County Jail, processed according to standard procedures, and held on a $50,000 bond. This decisive action by law enforcement underscored the seriousness of the alleged offenses and prepared the path for judicial review.
What Happened During the Incident at Solterra Resort in Davenport, Florida?
The incident at Solterra Resort occurred during a heated dispute among family members, culminating in an alleged attempt to drown Jasmine Wyld in a condominium swimming pool.
How Did the Attempted Drowning Occur in the Swimming Pool?
Verbal arguments between Gibbon and Wyld escalated near the pool’s edge, and investigators say Gibbon forced Wyld’s head underwater for several seconds. The struggle ended only when relatives, including a 9-year-old child, intervened and pulled her to safety. This life-threatening action illustrates how domestic tensions can rapidly intensify into violence, prompting immediate police involvement.
What Role Did Jasmine Wyld and the 9-Year-Old Daughter Play?
Jasmine Wyld, aged 33 and daughter-in-law of the accused, suffered bruising and water inhalation before being rescued. The family’s 9-year-old daughter witnessed the attack and courageously alerted nearby adults, enabling a swift rescue. Their intervention not only prevented a possible fatality but also provided key eyewitness testimony for investigators.
Where Is Solterra Resort and Why Is It Significant?
Solterra Resort is a gated vacation community in Davenport, Florida, renowned for its family-friendly amenities and proximity to Orlando attractions. Its private pool setting provided the backdrop for the alleged crime, illustrating that even secure resort environments can become sites of unexpected violence. The resort’s location within Polk County placed the case under the jurisdiction of Sheriff Grady Judd’s office, ensuring a local law enforcement response.
Who Is Jasmine Wyld and What Is Her Condition After the Incident?
What Is Jasmine Wyld’s Relationship to Mark Gibbon?
Wyld is married to Alex Gibbon, Mark Gibbon’s son, linking her directly to the family conflict that escalated at the resort. Understanding this relationship clarifies her status as victim and in-law, shedding light on the interpersonal dynamics at play.
How Has Jasmine Wyld Been Affected Physically and Emotionally?
Physically, Wyld experienced moderate bruising and required medical evaluation for water inhalation. Emotionally, she has described enduring shock and anxiety, noting a diminished sense of safety within the family unit. This dual impact underscores the profound consequences of domestic violence on both body and mind, highlighting the need for victim support services.
How Does Florida Law Define Attempted Second-Degree Murder and Battery?
What Are the Legal Consequences of Attempted Second-Degree Murder in Florida?
Attempted second-degree murder involves an individual taking a direct, deliberate step toward killing another person without lawful justification. Under Florida Statutes §782.04 and §777.04, a conviction can result in up to 15 years in prison.
Definition of Attempted Second-Degree Murder
Attempted second-degree murder is defined as committing acts with a depraved heart that would have killed someone but failed. The maximum punishment for attempted second-degree murder is 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine [19].
This citation clarifies the legal definition and potential penalties associated with attempted second-degree murder in Florida, which is relevant to the charges Gibbon faces.
How Is Battery Defined and Prosecuted Under Florida Law?
Battery consists of non-consensual physical contact that causes bodily harm or offensive touching. Under Florida Statute §784.03, simple battery is generally a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine, while aggravated battery—if a deadly weapon or serious injury is involved—carries felony penalties.
Definition of Battery in Florida
In Florida, battery is defined as the intentional touching or striking of a person against their will, or as the intentional causing of bodily harm to another person [8]. Simple battery is generally a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine [5, 18].
This citation provides the legal definition of battery under Florida law, which is directly relevant to one of the charges Gibbon faces.
What Is the Typical Legal Process for Such Charges in Polk County?
In Polk County, felony charges begin with an initial appearance to establish bail, followed by arraignment for plea entry. The prosecution and defense then exchange evidence during discovery, leading to pretrial motions or plea negotiations. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury determines guilt and later imposes sentence. This framework outlines the procedural path awaiting Gibbon.
What Are the Alleged Family Motives and Background Behind the Dispute?
How Did Arguments Over Grandchildren and the Will Contribute?
Family members reportedly clashed over visitation schedules and guardianship responsibilities for the grandchildren. Simultaneously, disputes over a will’s provisions fueled resentment, creating an environment ripe for conflict. These overlapping issues illustrate how financial and custodial disagreements can intertwine dangerously.
What Are the Allegations of an Affair and Its Impact on the Incident?
Unverified claims of an extramarital affair added emotional strain to the family dynamic, according to sources close to the investigation. Such allegations intensified existing mistrust and anger, potentially triggering Gibbon’s aggressive conduct. The combination of personal betrayal and legal disputes underscores the complex motives behind the alleged crime.
What Official Statements Have Been Made by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office?
What Did Sheriff Grady Judd Say About the Case?
Sheriff Grady Judd characterized the incident as “a shocking example of familial violence” and affirmed that his office “will pursue justice vigorously.”
Sheriff Grady Judd’s Role
Grady Judd has been the Sheriff of Polk County since 2005 [14]. Sheriff Judd characterized the incident as “a shocking example of familial violence” [6].
This citation establishes Sheriff Grady Judd’s position and provides his official statement on the case.
How Is the Investigation Progressing According to Authorities?
Authorities report the investigation is ongoing, with detectives reviewing witness interviews, pool surveillance footage, and medical records. Additional statements are being collected to refine the understanding of motive and intent before the case advances to formal prosecution. This thorough approach aims to build a comprehensive evidentiary record.
What Are the Next Steps in the Legal Proceedings and Case Timeline?
When Is the Upcoming Court Hearing Scheduled?
An initial hearing is slated for next month in Polk County Court, where Gibbon will enter formal pleas and address bond conditions. This appearance marks the transition from investigation to active litigation.
What Are Possible Outcomes and Sentencing Scenarios?
A conviction for attempted second-degree murder could bring up to 15 years in prison, while a battery conviction may add up to one year. Plea negotiations might reduce charges or combine sentences, whereas acquittal would result in immediate release. These scenarios illustrate the range of judicial outcomes.
How Can the Public Stay Informed About Case Updates?
Members of the public can monitor court dockets via the Polk County Clerk’s online portal, follow press releases from the Sheriff’s Office, and track reputable news coverage of the proceedings. Staying informed promotes community awareness and accountability.
Mark Raymond Gibbon’s case underscores the intersection of family conflict, criminal law, and international travel, demonstrating how personal disputes can trigger serious legal consequences. Florida’s statutes on attempted murder and battery clarify the stakes for those accused of violent acts. As courtroom dates approach, the community and observers will watch closely for developments that may shape both domestic violence response and transnational legal cooperation.