Davenport, FL – A British tourist is facing attempted second-degree murder and battery charges after deputies say he repeatedly shoved his daughter-in-law underwater during a heated argument over his will at a Florida vacation resort.
Argument Turns Violent in Resort Pool
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported the incident occurred on Sunday at the Solterra Resort on Pine Tree Trail, just minutes from Walt Disney World.
Authorities say 62-year-old Mark Raymond Gibbon, of Beaconsfield, England, was on a family vacation when he got into a quarrel with his 33-year-old daughter-in-law about the stipulations of his will.
Witnesses told deputies Gibbon pushed her under the water multiple times in the backyard swimming pool.
“The victim advised that she could not breathe and believed that she was going to drown,” deputies wrote in the probable cause affidavit.
Child and Neighbors Intervene
The situation escalated until the victim’s 9-year-old daughter jumped into the pool to protect her mother, but Gibbon allegedly pushed her away.
Spotting neighbors nearby, the victim shouted for them to call 911. Deputies say Gibbon stopped the attack only after hearing that the sheriff’s office was being contacted.
Suspect’s Statement and Arrest
When deputies arrived, Gibbon was taken into custody. After receiving his Miranda rights, he admitted to pushing his daughter-in-law underwater but denied trying to drown her.
He claimed they had been drinking earlier, and that the dispute turned physical after she slapped him. The victim sustained minor injuries, including scratches.
Gibbon is being held without bond in the Polk County Jail, with his next court date set for September 9.
Sheriff’s Warning to Visitors
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd commented on the arrest:
“It’s great that Polk County draws visitors from all across the world, but we expect vacationers to behave while they visit with us… Because Mr. Gibbon couldn’t control his anger, he may find himself spending a lot more time in Florida than he had anticipated.”
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