County Crime Blotter: July 16

SRHS teen dies after being pulled in by rip current at the beach

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — An 18-year-old Sebastian River High School senior died after a rip current pulled him underwater for several minutes at Treasure Shores Park on Friday, officials said. The student, whose name was not publicly released, was a well-respected member of the school's band and set to graduate next Thursday. "The School District of Indian River County is heartbroken to confirm the tragic passing of a Sebastian River High School senior who drowned at the beach after school hours earlier today. Although this incident did not occur during a school-sponsored activity, the loss of one of our students is felt deeply across the entire school community," Cristen Maddux, spokesperson for the School District, said in a statement. "Throughout ...

2nd man charged in connection with triple homicide in the Highlands

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Deputies arrested a second man Friday in connection with the November triple homicide that claimed the lives of Amanda Baker, her pregnant granddaughter Shelby Baker and the unborn baby. Sheriff Eric Flowers said Toby Featherston, the brother of Shelby Baker's ex-boyfriend, previously lived at the Baker residence and made threats to kill the family. Featherston had been recently released from prison following a three-year stint in the Florida Department of Corrections for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Deputies said Featherson and Aiden Christman went to the Baker household and fired off several rounds. "(Amanda and Shelby) were shot multiple times," Flowers said during a Friday news conference via Zoom. "Everyone was asleep. The surveillance video ...

Man arrested in connection with Nov. triple homicide in Highlands

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A man faces murder charges four months after fatally shooting a grandmother and her pregnant granddaughter - killing the unborn baby - at a residence in the Highlands community, according to officials. Deputies previously described the incident as a home invasion. Details on the circumstances surrounding the shooting remained limited as a judge ordered the case sealed on Tuesday. The sheriff's office did not release a motive in the case. Aiden Jacob Christman was arrested on Monday in connection with the triple slaying, according to Indian River County sheriff's officials. Christman was held Wednesday on charges including two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, first-degree murder of an unborn child and burglary of ...