Triple Homicide Suspect Confessed, Prosecutor Says

After spending two days on the lam and being captured Saturday, triple homicide suspect Andres “Andy” Avalos had his first court appearance early Sunday morning.

Avalos is being held without bond at the Manatee County Jail on three counts of second-degree murder related to the Thursday slayings of Pastor James “Tripp” Battle, 31, Amber Avalos, 33, and Denise Potter, 46.

Police say Avalos killed the pastor at Bayshore Baptist Church and also killed his wife and a friend at a home on 14th Street West.

A search for Avalos was launched shortly after the discovery of the bodies. He eluded capture until Saturday.

During Sunday’s court appearance, Assistant State Attorney Art Brown told the judge Avalos confessed to Manatee County investigators, the Bradenton Herald reported.

Judge Peter Dubensky subsequently ordered Avalos be held without bond until a trial could be held.

See Also:

• Bradenton Triple Homicide Suspect’s Car Found
• $15,000 Reward Offered in Triple Homicide Case