Attorneys’ motion says no physical evidence connecting man to murder of Fernandina Beach pet sitter

Shawn Whigham was indicted for murder in the death of Colleen Potts. He’s pleaded not guilty.

Photo of Colleen Potts from family member. (News4Jax.com.)

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Attorneys for Shawn Whigham, the man indicted for murder in the death of a Nassau County woman, have filed a motion asking a judge to set a reasonable bond.

The motion argues that there is no “physical, forensic, digital, direct, circumstantial or eyewitness evidence” that connects Whigham to the murder of Colleen Potts, 73. Among other things, the motion adds that no fingerprints belonging to Whigham have been found at the scene, and that a spent shell casing found at the scene does not match the firearm seized at Whigham’s home.

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Additionally, the motion states that no murder weapon has been located and that shoe impression found at the scene do not match any shoes collected from Whigham.

Whigham has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. In addition to being charged in Potts’ death, Whigham was also indicted on a charge of armed burglary and armed burglary with assault.

Shawn Whigham mug shot from Fernandina Beach Police Department.

Whigham, the original police report states, was interviewed on three occasions and provided conflicting statements during the first two interviews. It states Whigham admitted to fabricating details of prior statements and that he confessed to stealing about $300 out of Potts’ vehicle in October.

According to investigators, Whigham also admitted to entering the home on South 13th Street a day later, when the home was left unoccupied, and searched the residence for items to steal.

The Fernandina Beach Police Department said Whigham admitted to entering the residence with the intent to steal on Oct. 24, and that he encounter Potts in the living room. Investigators said Whigham admitted to shooting her, grabbing her purse and fleeing the home.