Jax Beach Suspect Faces Murder Charge

Charles Pearce Charged With 2nd Degree Homicide In Former Firefighters's Death

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The man considered a person of interest in the slaying of a former firefighter in February, Charles Pearce, was officially charged with murder on Friday in the death of Mike McCue.

McCue,42, was shot and killed in his driveway in Jacksonville Beach on Feb. 9.

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Pearce, 30, was arrested in Yuma, Ariz., on Feb. 20 on a Florida warrant for aggravated assault in a second case involving a shot fired at Pearce's father-in-law. A bolt-action rifle with five rounds, a 13-inch knife and a computer hard drive were found in his van, according to an arrest report.

Earlier this month, Pearce was extradited to Florida.

On Friday, the charges against him in connection with the initial gunfire were increased to attempted murder. Later in the day, Jacksonville Beach Police said Pearce was also charged with second-degree murder in the McCue slaying.

Pearce remains held in the Duval County Jail on $1.3 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 4.