Press Releases

Upper Captiva Assault
January 10, 2009

It was an attack described by investigators as random, heinous – even brutal. A couple vacationing on the quiet and exclusive island of Upper Captiva, savagely beaten in what the suspects themselves said was a mistake.

“They were not the intended victims, so they don’t have any idea why they were beaten like that…. Robbery or burglary doesn’t seem to be the motivation. It seems to be an act of retribution," said Lee County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Ross DiPasquale.

The suspects came on shore in Upper Captiva and made their way up to this house. Once inside, the suspects realized they had the wrong house, and the wrong victims.

“After they beat them, they tried to make excuses and calm the victims down… after they had beaten and bludgeoned them fairly well," DiPasquale said.

Though it’s still not clear who that assault was actually intended for – they’re confident it was not for the couple attacked.

“They don’t know the people. They were here on vacation for a short period of time, they don’t know. The people who did it had someone in mind, but we don’t know who that is," DiPasquale said.

At this stage of the investigation, it appears the three white men involved in the attack drove up along the back shore of Upper Captiva in a boat likely coming from Pine Island.

But who those men are is still a mystery at this point. The attack has residents on Upper Captiva shaken – and thus far, the small island community has assembled a $2,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest in this case.

Out of state friends of the victim are also rounding up extra cash to help track the attackers.

DiPasquale said he’s hoping someone who has heard something, or knows something about the incident will come forward anonymously and provide any small piece of information which could solve this case – and give residents on Upper Captiva some peace of mind.

Anyone with information on the November 2007 Upper Captiva assault, and the three boaters responsible, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).

All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards from Crime Stoppers – and several thousand more from additional sources committed to having justice served in this case.

 Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org.