County Crime Blotter: July 17

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 ...

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 ...

Phone, clothing left behind helps police nab Mulligan’s robbery suspect

VERO BEACH — A phone with text messages and calls to a getaway driver and a Mulligan's employee, along with DNA extracted from a mask, helped detectives make an arrest in the armed robbery of a beachside restaurant that occurred in mid-August. Officers said the suspect left behind his phone, mask, and other items during his escape. After the robbery, the suspect met up with the Mulligan's employee at a barbecue in Gifford, reports show. Police on Wednesday arrested Sederick Maurice Upton, 43, of the 2400 block of 42nd Street, Gifford, on charges of robbery with a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping or false imprisonment and burglary with assault. Upton was held Saturday at the Indian River ...