SOUTH BAY, Fla. (CBS12) — A violent altercation over drugs inside the South Bay Correctional Facility has led to a murder charge against inmate Dillon Parker, 39, who is accused of strangling another inmate to death.
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) reported that on December 6, 2023, at 12:04 a.m., security staff discovered an inmate dead in his cell, wrapped in sheets. A correctional officer had earlier observed an inmate banging on the cell door, claiming his roommate had been murdered. The inmate identified Parker as the killer.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Parker admitted to detectives that the victim had been repeatedly entering his cell for about a week, seeking to smoke K-2, Molly, and cigarettes. On the night of December 5, the victim became loud and agitated, attracting unwanted attention. Parker claimed he slapped the victim, and when the man continued screaming and offered sexual favors, Parker said he “saw red” and strangled him until he became unresponsive.
Parker also allegedly threatened the deceased’s cellmate, warning him not to be a “rat,” and took his shoes to prevent him from alerting officers. The surviving cellmate later told detectives that Parker threatened to kill him in the same way.
Surveillance footage confirmed that Parker and the victim were the only two individuals in the cell during the time of the incident. A medical examiner later ruled the death a homicide, citing compression of the neck.
Parker has a lengthy criminal record from Volusia County, including charges of attempted murder, robbery, assault on law enforcement, and fleeing police. He now faces charges of first-degree premeditated murder.
