Third suspect in Bradenton double murder denied bond; judge calls him 'danger to this community'

MANATEE -- The third suspect in the July 9 murder of a Bradenton couple is being held without bond after a judge Thursday ruled he is "a danger to this community."

Terez Jones, 33, was arrested Tuesday in St. Petersburg where he was found hiding from law enforcement with friends, according to Bradenton police.

Jones, charged with two counts of second-degree murder, appeared before Circuit Judge John Lakin for his first court appearance after being transferred from Pinellas County.

Lakin ordered Jones held without bond after commenting on what authorities have revealed about the case.

"It's yet another example of weapons in this community. It's reprehensible and it's escalating, and it needs to stop," Lakin said.

Lakin referred to earlier Public Defender's Office concerns about two other suspects being held without bond based on statements provided by two witnesses whose names were not included in probable cause affidavits.

"I know one thing that's not in dispute between the state of Florida and the defense, that two people are dead. Five people don't have parents and that is reprehensible, undisputed, they died. It's a bad thing," Lakin said. "I find that he is a danger to this community."

Jones was the last of three suspects arrested in the murders of Esther Deneus and her boyfriend, Kantral Markeith Brooks, both 29. The two were shot in their home on Southern Parkway West in Bradenton. The couple's five children, between the ages of 1 and 11, were in the home at the time of the shootings and at least one was a witness, according to police.

Police said two witnesses identified the three suspects, two of whom -- Jimmie Mcnear and Trey Nonnombre, both 18 -- were arrested Monday in Bradenton. Mcnear and Nonnombre are being held without bond. Jones was released from a Florida prison Feb. 27 after serving more than 13 years of a 15-year sentence for a conviction of sexual battery on a victim under 16. Since his release, Jones was arrested July 3 and charged with possession with intent to sell heroin and cocaine, tampering with evidence, attempted escape and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from the Manatee County jail on bonds totaling $18,000 just three days before Deneus and Brooks were killed. Funeral arrangements for Brooks will include visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Westside Funeral Home in Palmetto and a noon service Saturday at Bible Baptist Church in Palmetto. Funeral arrangements for Deneus include visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and a 10 a.m. service Saturday at Happy Gospel Church in Bradenton. Anyone with information about the homicides can call Bradenton police detectives Jeff Beckley at 941-932-9356 or James Curulla at 941-747-3011, ext. 2224, remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 by calling Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477 or send an anonymous e-tip through the web.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter @JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published July 16, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Third suspect in Bradenton double murder denied bond; judge calls him 'danger to this community'."