New evidence has been released in the case against Russell Tillis, the man who lived in the so-called "House of Horrors" on Jacksonville's Southside.
Tillis is accused of killing and dismembering Joni Gunter. Her body was found February 2016 dismembered and buried on his property.
Tillis was previously arrested and charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. While in the Duval County Jail, police say Tillis confessed to an inmate who was wearing a wire.
The State Attorney’s Office released police interviews between investigators and Tillis’ brother Claude Tillis.
Claude Tillis, Russell Tillis' brother told police he "Didn't know anything about a dismembered body." @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 29, 2017
Investigators asked Claude Tillis about Tillis’ home
Investigator: “Tell me about this soundproof room.”
Claude Tillis: “I don’t know anything about a soundproof room I haven’t been in that house since he has lived in it.”
Police say Tillis' home was booby trapped with trip wires and boards with nails sticking out of them.
Claude Tillis explained his brother would frequently bring women home and have parties, but he said he knew nothing about the woman Tillis is accused of killing.
“I -- sure don’t know nothing about no dismembering no frickin bodies,” Claude Tillis said.
NEW: Russell Tillis evidence released. Tillis & an inmate talking about bringing women home for sex @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/A5JIWKrWyB
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 28, 2017
Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson said the man who wore a wire and recorded a conversation with Tillis will be rewarded.
“There is nothing more powerful than a statement by an individual defendant as to their own guilt,” Carson said.
Tillis' confession can be used against him in trial.
As for Tillis' brother, he was swabbed for DNA, and was never arrested nor charged in connection with Gunter’s case and denies knowing anything about her murder.
Cox Media Group
