Palmetto slaying suspect facing possible automatic life sentence

Andrew Lee Perry, charged in the fatal shooting of a man found inside an abandoned home in Palmetto, will face an automatic life sentence if convicted.

Perry, 42, is charged in the slaying of Collin Mahoney, whose body was found Jan. 31 inside an abandoned home in the 500 block of 12th Street Drive West in Palmetto.

Detectives have previously said they believe Mahoney was killed the previous afternoon, not far from the home.

On Monday, the State Attorney’s Office formally filed charges against Perry, increasing the charge to second-degree murder with a firearm. If convicted, Perry will automatically face life in prison.

Perry refused to appear in court before Circuit Judge Diana Moreland on Tuesday afternoon for a first appearance hearing. Moreland ordered Perry continue to be held without bond.

Perry had been developed as a person of interest in March, but detectives had been waiting for forensic evidence that was being tested. Last month Perry was identified as the suspect after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Perry’s hand print was found inside the home where Mahoney was found, according to investigators, although Perry had denied ever being there.

This story was originally published May 17, 2016 at 4:54 PM with the headline "Palmetto slaying suspect facing possible automatic life sentence."