John Evander Couey Charged in Jessica's Death

A convicted sex offender apparently kidnapped Jessica Lunsford from her bedroom and held her bound and gagged for at least two days 100 yards from her home while police, search dogs and volunteers swarmed the neighborhood looking for the nine-year-old girl.

John Evander Couey has been charged with capital murder, burglary with battery, kidnapping and sexual battery on a child less than 12 years of age in connection with the abduction and death of Jessica Lunsford.

"This is an infamous case here," Citrus County Judge Mark Yerman said. "The acts that you are accused of and apparently confessed to are really beyond words."

Autopsy reports showed that Jessica died from asphyxiation. She had been sexually assaulted. Exactly how long she remained alive after she was taken from her bedroom Feb. 23 is unclear.

Timeline Not Certain

"I don't believe everything he has told us," Citrus County Sheriff Jim Dawsy said Monday. "I think he was in a drug-induced haze for a portion of the time. We may never have a true timeline," he said. "There were two people that knew -- Jessica, who's gone, and this individual, Couey, and because of his state with drugs, he was all over the place."

Dawsy said Couey confessed to entering the Lunsford home through an unlocked door, made his way to her bedroom, put his hand over her mouth and ordered her to remain quiet.

A private family funeral is scheduled Thursday, followed by another service on Friday for family and friends. A public memorial service is planned Saturday at 1 p.m. at Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church in Crystal River.

See Also:
Judge: Florida Girl's Killing 'Beyond Words'
Jessica Lunsford Died of Asphyxiation

Previous Articles:
Police Find Jessica Lunsford's Shallow Grave
Sex Offender Questioned in Jessica Lunsford Case
Police Puzzled Over Disappearance of Jessica Lunsford
9-Year-Old Jessica Lunsford Still Missing