60-year-old Douglas Naeher was arrested on July 25 and charged with first-degree attempted murder, according to court documents filed in Manatee County, Florida.
On July 20, Naeher and his wife embarked on a fishing trip, venturing 57 km off the coast of Bean Point. The victim reported that her husband's demeanor was unusual, noting he was uncharacteristically quiet and seemed angry. His rage escalated when the fishing line snapped. To avoid conflict, she jumped into the water with a float, holding onto a rope attached to the boat. Naeher then allegedly untied the rope and sailed away without a word.
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Douglas Naeher after his arrest. Photo: Manatee County Sheriff's Office |
Douglas Naeher after his arrest. Photo: Manatee County Sheriff's Office
Upon spotting another vessel, Naeher returned, brought his wife back on board, and began punching and kicking her. She reported losing consciousness several times during the assault and feigned death in an attempt to stop the attack.
As the other boat approached, Naeher abandoned his wife again and sped away. However, she managed to hook her foot onto a rope ladder while being dragged behind the boat. After climbing back aboard, Naeher continued the assault, throwing her overboard a second time.
This time, she clung to a rope tied to her right ankle. Naeher drove towards shore, unknowingly towing his bloodied wife. The resilient survivor crawled ashore, escaped, and reported the incident to the Holmes Beach Police Department.
Officials reported that the victim sustained severe head injuries, including swelling, bruising, a concussion, and swollen eyelids. She was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Naeher was denied bail on July 25 and has pleaded not guilty. He is being held at the Manatee County Jail. A trial date has not yet been set.
First-degree attempted murder is a capital felony in Florida, punishable by life imprisonment without parole to the death penalty. It is characterized by premeditation, meaning the act was planned or intended in advance.
Hai Thu (Theo People, Telegraph, NYP)
