Vero Beach Crime Blotter: December 22

Confession, DNA evidence lead to arrest in fatal stabbing of army vet

GIFFORD — A tearful confession, DNA evidence and surveillance footage led deputies to arrest a murder suspect who they said killed an army veteran and stole his belongings earlier this year. Eugene "Gene" Bain, 65, admitted to detectives that he repeatedly stabbed a man sleeping outside of Stone Brothers Funeral Chapel before walking off with his scooter, backpack and cell phone, Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers said. "(Bain) was in the hospital in tears," said Flowers, who mentioned that Bain was hospitalized for unrelated health issues. "(Bain) said 'I have to get this off my conscious' and admitted it." Flowers spoke during a news conference Wednesday at the sheriff's office, where he identified the victim as David Schultz, a ...

Deputies: Man charged with running over woman after domestic dispute

A Sebastian man was jailed Thursday in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that occurred after a domestic dispute with a woman he was in a relationship with, deputies said. The identity of the woman who was fatally struck was not publicly released. The woman's body was found on the side of southbound U.S. 1, prompting a criminal and traffic homicide investigation, Indian River County sheriff's officials said. "We think her body was there for a couple of hours," Sheriff's spokesperson Lt. Joe Abollo said. Drew Preston Leibrock, 52, of the 100 block of Crawford Drive, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with a death and tampering with or destroying evidence. Leibrock was held Thursday at the Indian River ...

Undercover probe leads to trafficking fentanyl arrest

VERO BEACH — A 32-year-old man is awaiting his arraignment for a variety of felony drug charges - including trafficking fentanyl - connected to an undercover probe that happened last month. Alexander Joseph Frazier, of the 1800 block of 23rd Avenue, Vero Beach, was charged with trafficking fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of alprazolam, possession of amphetamines, possession of buprenorphine, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Frazier was also charged with sale, delivery or possession with intent to sell or deliver fentanyl and sale, delivery or possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine within 1,000 feet of a park community center or recreational facility. Frazier was held Monday ...