WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) – Double homicide suspect Joseph Raker is now in the custody of the Wakulla Sheriff’s Office following his arrest in Mexico.
Joseph Raker was booked into the Wakulla County Jail Saturday on two counts of homicide.
According to authorities, Raker was wanted for the shooting deaths of Rebecca Thomas, 58, and John Luper III, 49. The investigation began on Aug. 2, when deputies responded to an incident at a Crawfordville business.
A caller reported that a person—who may have been intoxicated—claimed someone had been shot on Otter Creek Road.
While responding, officers found evidence of a fight at the property. Overnight the following day, a fire broke out at the same location. Raker, who had reentered the property under unclear circumstances, was transported to a local hospital for smoke inhalation.
Detectives interviewed Raker at the hospital, where officials say he “minimized his involvement in the disappearances of John and Rebecca.” Raker later returned to the scene to point out evidence to investigators, but WCSO deputies did not detain him at the time, citing a lack of probable cause.
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Later that same day, search teams discovered Luper’s body hidden in heavy brush within the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. Thomas’s body was located approximately 100 yards away, also covered in debris. A warrant was issued for Raker’s arrest, sparking a manhunt that ensued for over a week.
On Aug. 13, United States Marshals, with assistance from Mexican authorities, captured Raker just south of Brownsville, Texas.
During a press conference announcing Raker’s arrest, Sheriff Jared Miller warned that additional arrests are expected.
“Anyone who helped commit these crimes, concealed evidence, or knowingly assisted those involved—we will follow the evidence, and we will find you,” Sheriff Miller said.
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