Man waives rights to speedy trial in 1994 slain teen case

Ronnie Hyde charged in killing of 16-year-old Fred Laster

Ronnie Hyde waived his right to a speedy trial Monday during a court appearance

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The man accused of murdering a 16-year-old boy in 1994 waived his right to a speedy trial Monday during a court appearance.

Ronnie Leon Hyde, 60, was arrested March 7 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

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Investigators combed through every inch of Hyde’s home for four days in March gathering evidence.

Columbia County investigators have worked the case since Laster’s body 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’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 19.