Posted on Sun, Jun. 18, 2006

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SEMINOLE COUNTY

Man suspected of decapitating wife, hacking son

A man has been charged with two counts of premeditated murder after apparently hacking his son and wife to death.

BY PETER BAILEY

pbailey@MiamiHerald.com

When the police arrived, a dazed Franklyn Duzant stood panting in the doorway of his home in Lake Mary, soaked in his 11-year-old son's blood.

Duzant had just hacked Nico Duzant to death, nearly severing his son's head off, in front of screaming neighbors in this quiet community near Orlando, police say. His 52-year-old wife, Evangeline Duzant, was found decapitated in the bedroom.

The tragedy played out Friday. It was Nico's 11th birthday.

Duzant has been charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder, authorities said Saturday.

''It was an absolute gruesome scene,'' said Seminole County Sheriff's Lt. Dennis Lemma. ``We're trying to repaint the picture of what led up to this.''

Duzant, 40, who police said has a history of mental illness, underwent surgery at Orlando Regional Medical Center for injuries to his stomach, Lemma said. He was in stable condition on Saturday.

''At this point, we don't know how the suspect got these injuries,'' Lemma said. ``We don't know if they were self-inflicted or if there was a struggle.''

The scene Friday was horrific.

Neighbors spilled out into the street after hearing Nico screaming as Duzant chased him wielding a Samurai sword, Lemma said. ''Help me! Please, somebody help me!'' Nico wailed.

Duzant caught up with Nico in a neighbor's front yard and repeatedly slashed him several times across his chest, arms and throat. He then began hacking behind his neck. Nico collapsed, blood gushing from his throat.

''This was a normal family living in a community where they walked their dog and their child played with other children,'' Lemma said. ``This is a situation that has devastated the entire community.

One man tried to intervene, but Duzant turned to attack him and the man fled, Lemma said.

Duzant was taken into custody by deputies, but not charged, after a standoff in 2003 where he threatened to kill himself at a local park. He was admitted for a psychiatric evaluation at the time, Lemma said.

He said Duzant had no prior criminal record.