A disturbing incident unfolded at the Solterra Resort in Davenport, Florida, where a British holidaymaker allegedly attempted to drown his daughter-in-law in a swimming pool. Mark Raymond Gibbon, 62, from Beaconsfield, England, was arrested and charged with battery and attempted second-degree murder after the incident on Sunday evening.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Gibbon got into an argument with his 33-year-old daughter-in-law in the swimming pool, which escalated into a violent confrontation. Witnesses and the victim reported that Gibbon pushed and held the victim’s head underwater multiple times, preventing her from breathing. The situation took a dramatic turn when the victim’s 9-year-old daughter jumped into the pool to try and stop Gibbon from harming her mother.
Gibbon was apprehended after a pair of sisters in a neighboring vacation rental claimed to have called the police, prompting him to stop his alleged assault. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated that Gibbon’s inability to control his anger might result in him spending more time in Florida than he anticipated. The sheriff emphasized that visitors to Polk County are expected to behave responsibly, just like lifelong residents.
If convicted, Gibbon could face severe penalties for attempted second-degree murder and battery. In Florida, attempted second-degree murder is a serious felony offense that can result in significant prison time. The court will consider various factors, including Gibbon’s intent and the severity of the victim’s injuries, when determining his sentence.
