JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After four days of combing through every inch of a Jacksonville Beach home that is owned by a man accused of the 1994 murder of a 16-year-old boy, investigators wrapped up their search Friday, thanking neighbors for their patience.
Ronnie Leon Hyde, 60, was arrested Tuesday in Jacksonville Beach on a murder charge in the death of 16-year-old Fred Laster, who investigators believe Hyde befriended while he was a youth pastor in the 1980s.
The FBI and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office began exhaustive searches Tuesday of Hyde's homes on Fourth Avenue North in Jacksonville Beach and Thelma Street in the Talleyrand neighborhood of Jacksonville.
IMAGES: Closer look at Ronnie Hyde's property
The Talleyrand property search ended Wednesday, and investigators packed up shop at the Jacksonville Beach property on Friday, allowing a closer look at the property for the first time. A closet filled to bursting with items could be seen in the home's carport.
Investigators used ground-penetrating radar and had tables of evidence under a tent but have not released any information regarding any evidence found at either property.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Charles Spencer released a statement Friday saying:
"We are extremely thankful to neighbors for their patience and understanding this week as the meticulous work of the FBI Evidence Response Team continued, and we appreciate the kindness extended to FBI personnel."
Former FBI special agent Toni Chrabot emphasized the emotional aspect of the search, pointing out the toll it can take on investigators.
“Now there is that search for others. You know if there was one body, I think reason told you that there may very well be others, if not that were killed, others that may have been abused -- exploited somehow,” Chrabot said.
As the property search ended Friday, the investigation is just beginning, as the FBI placed billboards at eight locations around Jacksonville asking for people who may have information about Hyde to come forward.
The announcements will run as space is available on the video billboards at the following locations:
- I-10 east of I-295
- Blanding south of Constitution
- Beach west of Southside
- I-10 east of Stockton
- Beach east of San Pablo
- I-295 1 mi south of Blanding
- I-295 .3 mi north of Philips Hwy
- Philips Hwy south of Baymeadows
The billboards include a photo of Hyde and the FBI's number for the child exploitation investigation, which is 904-248-7000.
VIDEO: FBI takes extra steps to identify other potential victims of Ronnie Hyde
Since the arrest, several people have come forward, revealing their alleged past encounters with Ronnie Hyde.
“There's the whole additional investigation of any other potential victims that may be involved in this. And then there's trial preparation. You know, this will have to go through the justice process,” Chrabot said.
The cold case
Columbia County investigators have worked the case since the body of a young man was found outside a dumpster at a BP gas station at the U.S. 441 exit of Interstate 10. Using DNA technology, the remains were identified last February as those of the missing teenager.
Hyde, who worked for decades as a mental health counselor, became a suspect after Laster's family said that the last time Fred was heard from, he was with Hyde, the man he knew as his pastor.
Hyde was arrested early Tuesday morning after DNA taken from items in his trash last year matched DNA found on a flannel shirt left in the dumpster next to Laster's remains.
Church issues statement
Hyde wrote on his Facebook page that he works at Crosswater Community Church in Nocatee.
Crosswater's Pastor, Jack Millwood, said he has spoken with the FBI about Hyde and the church is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Millwood issued a video statement Friday that said in part: “Ron Hyde is not and has never been a paid employee of Crosswater Church. The church, as most churches do, has a continuing relationship with Christian counselors in our area on a referral basis and at times Mr. Hyde counseled people on site at the church.”
Millwood said Hyde had not worked in the youth or children's ministries at the church and that the church followed the state's guidelines and even stricter standards regarding volunteers working with youth and children.
“Mr. Hyde has remained a member of our church for many years, however I am personally not aware of any victims of Ron Hyde that involve anyone associated with Crosswater,” he said. “We continue to work closely with the FBI to monitor this situation. If any person or persons has any information, regarding potential victims of Ron Hyde, please contact the local FBI office.”
Millwood said the church's focus is on helping victims.
“Crosswater is here to help people and families. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to any potential victims of crimes committed,” he said. “Because this is an ongoing investigation, we will not have any further comments regarding this situation.”