A Florida man accused of strangling Presque Isle resident Leo Corriveau fled the state after the alleged killing by driving the victim’s vehicle to Hermon and then catching a bus back to the Sunshine State, according to an affidavit filed in Presque Isle District Court.
Robert Craig, 80, of Florida allegedly killed Leo Corriveau, 86, in Presque Isle on July 21, two days before Corriveau was found dead face down in his backyard by relatives, according to court documents.
Craig, who was arrested Thursday July 28 near his home in Clearwater, Florida, had known Corriveau for four years as a neighbor in a mobile home community in the Tampa area, where Corriveau spent his winters, according to a court affidavit written by Maine State Police Sgt. Darrin Crane.
An autopsy by the state medical examiner determined that Corriveau was strangled, suffered broken ribs and cuts on his arm and head and likely died at least 40 hours before he was found. The affidavit does not specify a motive for the slaying.
A police statement issued Thursday evening indicated Corriveau’s body was found inside his home, but Maine Department of Public Safety spokesman Stephen McCausland confirmed Friday that the man was found in his backyard.
In his initial court appearance in Florida, a judge denied bail for Craig and set a hearing for Tuesday August 2, to discuss whether Craig will waive the extradition and return to Maine this month.
“He is being held on a fugitive from justice charge and will face a murder charge when he is returned to Maine,” McCausland said.
Editor’s note: Staff Writer Anthony Brino contributed to this story.
