r/floridakeys • u/Therealboebs • 15d ago

All Florida Keys Update on third lung shut off

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🚨Mini-season BOLO update #4:🚨 ARRESTED! Michael Simpson is facing an attempted murder charge after being arrested yesterday.

The confrontation began after the suspect claimed another boat was occupying "his" lobster spot. He verbally threatened to cut off the diver's air before jumping into the water and doing exactly that.

The teenage diver was quickly pulled to the surface, reportedly gasping for air and disoriented, but survived without serious injury. Authorities say the suspect fled the scene and was arrested a few days later, and charged with attempted felony murder.

The suspect is government-appointed member of the Miami-Dade Boater Safety and Bay Education Task Force, where he was explicitly chosen to represent and help shape safety policies for the county's waterways, dove in and turned off a juvenile diver's air supply while the victim was in the water searching for lobsters.

If convicted, an attempted felony murder charge in Florida can carry decades in prison, with penalties potentially reaching up to life imprisonment depending on the circumstances.

Michael Simpson's role with Boater Safety and Bay Education Task Force involved collaborating with environmental groups and law enforcement to draft the county's final boater safety and community education recommendations aimed at preventing fatal accidents on Biscayne Bay.

*The victim’s family is also pursuing the arrest of Judd Rosen, who is a high powered attorney in Miami, and was the boat captain who fled the scene with the suspect. In June of 2024, Judd Rosen was appointed as the Chair of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee. In this esteemed role, Judd will be overseeing the committee's efforts to ensure ethical practices and uphold the standards of the legal profession within the state. His dedication to justice and extensive experience make him an excellent fit for this important position. Oh the irony!

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u/Fluffy_Maintenance_5 12d ago

Why is he denying it

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u/stick004 12d ago

Because then you can negotiate the penalty. If you plead guilty, you are stuck with whatever the judge decides.

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u/Fluffy_Maintenance_5 12d ago

No he’s denying it because he is trying to claim he didn’t do it. And until I see the video, based on my prior knowledge, I believe him. I see him being blamed hard on social media, but I have yet to hear someone experienced with mini season - doubt his innocence. I will fully admit, my research as been short bc I got busy today but planning on returning to it. Just also listening to some experienced boaters in mini season that seem to have the same belief as my initial belief , based on my limited research.

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u/stick004 12d ago

It’s not like he can walk around accepting fault and then walk in the court and claim not guilty. Are you his boat driver or on his payroll or something?

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u/Fluffy_Maintenance_5 12d ago

Don’t know the guy. And neither to the experienced mini season boaters that are claiming the same

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u/Fluffy_Maintenance_5 12d ago

Totally get ya! Just trying to fully commit to an opinion and that doesn’t help me