Family asks for remains of teen killed in 1994 to be released

Request made by prosecutor during court hearing for Ronnie Hyde

Fred Laster

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The family of a teenager who was killed and dismembered more than 20 years ago has asked for his remains to be released from evidence.

The request was made Wednesday morning during a court hearing for Ronnie Hyde.

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Hyde, 61, is charged in the 1994 murder of 16-year-old Fred Laster, whose torso was found in a dumpster in Columbia County. Hyde is also charged with 12 counts of possession of child pornography, which investigators said they found during a search of his Jacksonville Beach home.

During Wednesday's hearing, a prosecutor advised a judge that Laster's family members would like his remains released to them as soon as possible for a proper burial.

The remains are evidence in the case, and the defense may want to have an expert examine them.

The judge gave no indication when she will make a decision on the family's request. 

Hyde's lawyers also want separate trials on the murder and child porn charges. His next court date is Aug. 28.