What seemed to start off as a date ended with a man dragging himself out of Florida’s Escambia River with his throat cut this month.
“Unbeknownst to our would-be killers, the victim was somehow able to survive the fall from the bridge and the cuts to his throat,” said the Escambia Sheriff’s Office. “He swam toward the shore where he flagged down a deputy to tell his incredible tale.”
Now, two Pensacola, Fla., residents are in custody for attempted murder and other charges, according to the sheriff’s office. Records show that 25-year-old Natalie Fonseca was being held on $852,000 bond as of Saturday and Nafis Reynolds is being held on $851,000 bond. They were arrested Monday.
Authorities said Fonseca and the victim met on social media and agreed “to have dinner and hang out.”
When they were on the date, the man agreed to go to Fonseca’s house and there she introduced him to Reynolds, who she said was her uncle. From there, they took a drive to the victim’s home. Later, all three left the victims’ house.
At some point, both Fonseca and Reynolds hit the victim several times, according to the sheriff’s office. They also allegedly told him he was going to die and robbed him of his shoes, his phone, his money, and car.
After they allegedly took turns cutting his throat, Fonseca and Reynolds threw the victim over a bridge and into the Escambia River, said police. They reportedly drove away in his car, which was set on fire and discovered on West 98.
“Escambia County detectives were quick to the scene and began an investigation. They soon identified the attackers as Natalie Fonseca and Nafis Reynolds,” the sheriff’s office said. “Both were arrested and charged with attempted murder, armed carjacking, armed robbery, and kidnapping.”