Human remains found in suitcases at Palm Bay’s ‘Compound’; man arrested
By Allison Petro, Pattrik Perez
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PALM BAY, Florida (WESH) — A man was arrested after remains were found in suitcases in a remote area, according to the Palm Bay Police Department.
Police officers were dispatched to the area of 1574 Bombardier Blvd., often known as the “Compound,” after receiving reports of a suitcase.
After officers arrived on the scene, they found the suitcase lying in tall grass and described an odor.
The suitcase was partially opened, where human remains could be seen, according to police.
Police also reported seeing personal belongings inside, as well as an Amazon box addressed to the defendant’s home, identified as Lucas Jones.
Another suitcase was located a short distance from the first, according to police.
It was later discovered that Jones was associated with a report of a missing person who was identified as 28-year-old Colie Lee Daniel, a registered sex offender. According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, Daniel was reported missing on March 21:
“Colie visited a friend’s house on 03/20/2026 and did not show up back at his residence the following day, as he said he would. Neither friends nor family have heard from Colie since the evening of 03/20/2026.” Officials conducted a search warrant at Jones’ residence, where he was seen with visible healed wounds and bruises on parts of his body.
Police interviewed Jones’ girlfriend, who stated she saw the victim lying unconscious on Jones’ bed. After leaving the room to use the bathroom, she returned to find the victim’s body was gone.
Jones told his girlfriend that the victim had left through the back door.
The following day, on March 21, Jones instructed his girlfriend to drive to the “Compound.” She reported that he then removed two gray tote containers from her vehicle and discarded them in different locations.
While police searched Jones’ home, investigators found blood stains throughout the residence.
Police also said a kitchen knife was discovered in one of the suitcases recovered from the “Compound,” and a matching knife was also located inside his home.
Palm Bay Police Sgt. Vincent Galioto told WESH 2 that detectives are waiting for the autopsy results and a positive identification of the human remains from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Jones was taken into custody and charged:
Tampering with evidence. Abuse of a dead human body. Transporting a dead human body in an unauthorized container.
He was released on a $7,500 bond.
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