Jacksonville man accused in kidnapping, fatal beating of 30-year-old woman

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has arrested Henry Lannon, 37, for the kidnapping and brutal beating of a 30-year-old woman last month.

In a warrant issued for Lannon’s arrest, on Nov. 10, the woman was rushed to UF Health in critical condition after being dropped off at a Jacksonville Fire and Rescue station.

UF doctors told JSO investigators that the woman had been physically battered and was suffering from several injuries, including fractured vertebrae and severe bruising. Medical staff noted that the victim had ligature marks around her wrists and ankles consistent with being bound, according to court documents.

The woman did not survive her injuries. The medical examiner noted brain swelling in a later preliminary autopsy report.

The woman who had driven the victim to the fire station told investigators that she had been with Lannon and the victim at her home on Soforenko Drive when, at some point, she found the woman unresponsive on the living room floor. The witness claimed that Lannon and the victim had been verbally arguing earlier that day.

As of Dec. 2, the woman is not facing any charges in connection to the crime.

After the victim was driven to a fire station, Lannon reportedly fled to a friend’s home in St. Marys, Ga. According to court documents, Lannon confessed he was in serious trouble and believed he had killed someone. He later told the friend he tied up the woman and tortured her, according to the report.

On Nov. 23, US Marshals tracked Lannon to a motel on Salisbury Road in Jacksonville.

Lannon is charged with felony kidnapping, aggravated battery, trafficking in amphetamine or methamphetamine, and resisting arrest, according to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office jail records. He has not yet been charged for the woman’s death.

His arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 15.

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