Who is Matthew Flores? North Carolina man charged with capital murder in connection with death of Lyft driver
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Matthew Scott Flores, 36, a resident of North Carolina, has been formally charged with capital murder in connection to the death of a Lyft driver in South Florida.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced on Wednesday, September 13, after an Okeechobee County grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Flores.
Why was Matthew Scott Flores charged with capital murder?
FLores' charges include first-degree premeditated murder involving a firearm, armed robbery, and unlawful firearm possession by a previously convicted felon, FDLE agent Eli Lawson announced, per CBS News.
Lawson said, "Our agents and partner agents have worked relentlessly over the last nine months putting this case together (and) bringing us where we are today."
He added, "I can tell you we have a solid case against Mr. Flores."
Flores was arested seven months ago in North Carolina after a high-speed pursuit that extended across multiple counties.
During the chase, the suspect was operating a vehicle that belonged to 74-year-old Gary Levin, who resided in Palm Beach Gardens and occasionally worked as a Lyft driver.
Levin was reported missing on January 29. According to his family, he had picked up a passenger in Delray Beach just before 1.30 pm and transported them to Okeechobee County by approximately 4.30 pm.
Levin's Lyft app and cell phone were last active during that time, his relatives said.
Subsequently, law enforcement officers in North Carolina identified Flores while he was driving Levin's red 2022 Kia Stinger.
Matthew Scott Flores nabbed in North Carolina
Flores was arrested following a car chase and a subsequent pursuit on foot. On August 8, he was extradited from Rutherford County, North Carolina, back to Florida to face charges not related to Levin's death and disappearance.
Lawson mentioned that investigators managed to establish a connection between Flores and Levin's final ride before the latter went missing.
However, he did not provide any additional information linking the suspect to Levin's murder.
Levin's remains were eventually discovered in a remote, wooded area of Okeechobee County on February 4, Lawson reportedly said.
"His murder was cold, it was senseless and completely unnecessary," Lawson said.
Lawson added, "Mr Levin was a beloved member of the community here in Palm Beach. He is a father and friend. His loved ones have experienced insurmountable grief no one should have to go through."
Authorities have also identified Flores as a suspect in an ongoing homicide investigation in Wauchula, Florida, involving the fatal shooting of a man.
If Flores is found guilty of Levin's murder, he may be sentenced to death, given that it is a capital murder charge.