A Florida man is facing serious charges after allegedly attempting to organise a murder-for-hire plot against his neighbour, reportedly related to a dispute over a drone. David Butka, 69, has been charged with one count of solicitation to commit murder, as confirmed by Sergeant James Vachon from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
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Butka found himself in custody after pleading no contest to aggravated assault stemming from an incident on 22 July. He was set for release on 17 September when an inmate reported his purported murder plot to a jail supervisor just a day before his release.
The conflict between Butka and his neighbour reportedly began over the use of a drone. According to a police affidavit, when the victim was leaving their home on the day of the incident, they spotted Butka’s drone hovering above their property. The victim attempted to document the situation by recording the drone, but the encounter escalated when Butka allegedly threw a rock at the victim’s vehicle, causing several noticeable dents.
While in custody for the assault charge, Butka allegedly approached another inmate, soliciting him to kill his neighbour. Accusations claim that he detailed his plans to the inmate, promising $5,000 upfront for the murder, and provided personal information about the intended victim, including their address, phone number, physical description, and daily routine.
Authorities suggest that Butka also indicated he had approximately £1 million in his bank account, further asserting his ability to pay for the alleged crime. In a troubling series of events, he allegedly shared his credit card information with the inmate, who subsequently used it to transfer £250 into their commissary account.
The fellow inmate documented his conversations with Butka and transferred this information to a jail official on 16 September, leading to the discovery of the plot. Officials have expressed confusion regarding Butka’s motives, with Sergeant Vachon noting that it remains unclear why he would wish harm upon the witness, given that he was nearing his release.
In light of these allegations, Butka’s bail for the new charge has been set at £20,000. However, it remains uncertain whether he is currently represented by legal counsel.
Butka has claimed that the money he allegedly offered was intended to help the inmate hire a lawyer, contesting the charges against him. However, law enforcement officials remain sceptical.
The incident underscores the serious issues surrounding tensions between neighbours and the lengths to which some individuals may go in response to personal disputes. Lake County authorities continue to investigate the situation, and it raises significant questions about anger management and conflict resolution in personal relations.
As Butka awaits further legal proceedings, the case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of escalated disputes and the serious nature of soliciting violence. The community is reminded of the importance of addressing conflicts in a constructive manner. Further updates on the case are expected in the coming weeks.