3:55 p.m. UPDATE: JSO has confirmed that Danny Ray Beard is being charged in the murder of Andrea Washington.
Arrest made in the murder of Navy Chief Petty Officer Andrea Washington who was located murdered on September 17, 2017. Danny Ray Beard II is now behind bars and charged with her Murder. pic.twitter.com/5oOccnK0Wi
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 8, 2018
ORIGINAL STORY:
The former boyfriend of slain Naval Chief Petty Officer Andrea Washington made an appearance in Duval County Court Saturday morning.
Danny Ray Beard was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office on Friday on a charge of murder according to JSO jail logs.
Action News Jax's Elizabeth Pace was in court when Beard made his first appearance before a judge.
As Beard exited the room he could be seen looking back and winking.
#anjaxbreaking The first picture we have of Danny Beard, who was arrested for murder. It comes more than 3 months after his Navy Chief Petty Officer girlfriend was found dead inside her home. No bond given, next court date is scheduled for the end of this month. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/CYoeZEpWwX
— Elizabeth Pace (@PaceAnJax) December 8, 2018
A close friend of Washington’s tells Action News Jax the arrest of Beard is a relief.
“I’m just glad it’s really being taken care of,” he said.
MORE: Jacksonville police suspect foul play after U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer found dead
The friend said Washington and Beard often struggled in their relationship, but he never expected this.
Shortly before her death in September, Washington was granted a restraining order against Beard.
She stated he kicked her and even pulled a gun on her.
“She told me about the incident that happened Labor Day, what had happened and everything,” the friend told us. "She was telling me that she was fearing for her life then.”
Here's more information we have on the JSO death investigation. Court records show the victim filed a domestic violence injunction against Beard weeks before her death. https://t.co/b75EKrG9Ou
— Elizabeth Pace (@PaceAnJax) December 8, 2018
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