John Jonchuck is facing charges of first-degree murder in the death of his 5-year-old daughter Phoebe. Although the Florida father was arrested for throwing his child off a 62-foot bridge, a Pinellas-Pasco Circuit judge deemed Jonchuck unfit to stand trial.
On January 8, an off-duty St. Petersburg police officer observed Jonchuck driving at a high rate of speed. The officer followed the suspect to the Dick Misener Bridge, where he abruptly stopped his vehicle.
Although the officer told the man to remain inside his vehicle, he refused to comply. As reported by CNN, the suspect proceeded to exit his vehicle with his daughter in his arms. He then walked “to the side of the bridge and intentionally dropped the child into the water.”
Police spokeswoman Yolanda Fernandez confirmed the officer attempted to save the child’s life. Unfortunately, the current was simply too strong.
While the officer was trying to save Phoebe, John Jonchuck got back inside his vehicle and fled the scene. Although he led officials on a high-speed chase, he eventually stopped the car and surrendered.
The suspect was arrested and charged with aggravated assault , fleeing and eluding, and first-degree murder. Although he is currently housed in the Pinellas County Jail, a judge ordered his transfer to a mental institution for further evaluation.
In the course of investigation, authorities learned the 25-year-old man has a history of violent behavior and mental illness.
As reported by People , Jonchuck was arrested on at least four occasions between 2010 and 2014. Although the charges were later dropped, he was accused of assault, domestic violence , and forging checks.
At the time of Phoebe’s death, the Jonchuck family also had an open case with Child Protective Services. Even more disturbing, it was the third time the family was investigated by CPS.
Despite his questionable history, Jonchuck retained custody of his 5-year-old daughter.
On the day Phoebe was killed, John Jonchuck met with attorney Genevieve Torres about an ongoing legal issue. According to Torres, Jonchuck’s behavior was so bizarre that she was concerned for Phoebe’s safety. When Johnchuk left her office, Torres contacted authorities immediately.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputies Jessica Hallberg-Calebro and Aaron Rizzo later found Jonchuck and his daughter at a local church. According to their official report, the deputies “determined Jonchuck was not a threat to himself or others.”
Fewer than 24 hours later, the Florida father threw his 5-year-old daughter off a bridge.
As reported by NBC News, John Jonchuck will spend the next three months in a state mental hospital . On June 9, the court will re-evaluate whether he is fit to stand trial.
