Homosassa man arrested, charged with kidnapping and attempted murder of eldely woman
Graphic of Queen's mugshot provided by CCSO.
Citrus County, Florida - On Monday, March 27, 2023, 59 year-old James Frederick Queen of Homosassa, Florida, was arrested on serious felony chuarges - including attempted murder - as the result of an investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Patrol Division and Major Crimes Section (MCS) due to a call, received early the same morning, requesting that the agency conduct a well-being check on an elderly woman who was believed to be under the care of Mr. Queen.
Deputies went to Queen's residence. He told deputies that the woman was in another county with a family member. Deputies challenged Queen about this statement, and he eventually admitted that the woman was inside the home, that she had numerous allegedly self-inflicted injuries and had been too embarrassed to call for help.
When deputies entered the residence, they found the elderly woman. She told deputies that she'd been beaten for days, "repeatedly and savagely," according to a press release, and Queen had prevented her from calling for help or leaving the residence.
Due to the extent of her injuries, the victim was transported to a trauma center for medical treatment.
Queen was placed under arrest, charged with one count each of attempted murder, kidnapping with intent to inflict bodily harm, aggravated battery of a person 65 years of age or older, felony battery by strangulation, false imprisonment, and hindering communication to law enforcement. He is being held at the Citrus County Detention Facility without bond.
"CCSO is dedicated to protecting our elderly citizens and removing brutalizers like Queen from our society," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "It is unthinkable that someone could be so violent toward such a vulnerable member of our community. Not only did Queen torture and terrorize the victim, but he deliberately kept them from seeking law enforcement and medical assistance. The cruel and inhumane actions of Queen in this case are utterly sadistic."