{"id":391633,"date":"2026-09-05T20:22:10","date_gmt":"2026-09-05T20:22:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/391633\/"},"modified":"2026-09-05T20:22:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-05T20:22:10","slug":"deputies-wakulla-county-double-homicide-suspect-now-in-wcso-custody-after-arrest-in-mexico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/391633\/","title":{"rendered":"Deputies: Wakulla County double homicide suspect now in WCSO custody after arrest in Mexico"},"content":{"rendered":"

WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) – Double homicide suspect Joseph Raker is now in the custody of the Wakulla Sheriff\u2019s Office following his arrest in Mexico<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Joseph Raker was booked into the Wakulla County Jail Saturday on two counts of homicide.<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

A caller reported that a person\u2014who may have been intoxicated\u2014claimed someone had been shot on Otter Creek Road.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Detectives interviewed Raker at the hospital, where officials say he \u201cminimized his involvement in the disappearances of John and Rebecca.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

More on crime in our area:<\/p>\n

Later that same day, search teams discovered Luper\u2019s body hidden in heavy brush within the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. Thomas\u2019s body was located approximately 100 yards away, also covered in debris. A warrant was issued for Raker\u2019s arrest, sparking a manhunt that ensued for over a week.<\/p>\n

On Aug. 13, United States Marshals, with assistance from Mexican authorities, captured Raker just south of Brownsville, Texas.<\/p>\n

During a press conference announcing Raker\u2019s arrest, Sheriff Jared Miller warned that additional arrests are expected.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone who helped commit these crimes, concealed evidence, or knowingly assisted those involved\u2014we will follow the evidence, and we will find you,\u201d Sheriff Miller said.<\/p>\n

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