Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Orlando, FL: Deputies search for ex-boyfriend of slain Dr. Phillips-area mother

Court documents show Jorgete Acarie lived in fear of being killed by her ex-boyfriend. Now, two days after her bullet-riddled body was found in her Dr. Phillips-area home, authorities said they're hunting for Acarie's ex, Kristofer Gould.

Orange County deputies stress that Gould is not yet facing charges in Acarie's death. He's currently being sought on a warrant stemming from "previous domestic incidents" in their relationship, sheriff's spokesman Jeff Williamson said.

However, Williamson said in a statement that Gould is considered a "person of interest" in the homicide, which remains under investigation.

"Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff's Office Felony Unit are actively looking for Gould and investigators are asking anyone who may have information regarding his whereabouts to please call the Orange County Sheriff's Office or Crimeline [1-800-423-8477]," Williamson said.

Court filings indicate Gould had a history of threats and harassment targeting Acarie. He threatened to kill her and her family; broke into their home after he moved out; harassed her by phone and text message; and would often show up uninvited at her home after midnight and demand to see their young son, court records state.

Early Sunday, Acarie's body was found in a bedroom by Orange County deputies who responded to her house after her alarm went off. Her 2-year-old son was also in the home, but deputies say he was not injured. The boy has been placed in protective custody, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Deputies have released few details in the 43-year-old Brazilian native's murder. No arrests have been made.

But public records show Acarie had a violent run-in with 34-year-old Kristofer Gould just days before her slaying. Despite two injunctions and a trip to jail, Gould would not leave her alone, according to records.

On Aug. 20, Acarie called 911 to report Gould was harassing her. He started banging on her front door at 1:30 a.m. but she wouldn't answer. Then at 3:30 a.m., a brick flew through her bathroom window where she'd gone to get a drink of water, records show.

Moments later, she heard Gould screaming to let him inside. She reached for her phone and called 911. She told detectives she saw him drive away in black Nissan Altima. Deputies went to Gould's home that day and knocked on his door, but he didn't answer, reports show.

It's unclear if deputies followed up or made any other attempts to find Gould, who is on probation on an aggravated-stalking charge involving Acarie.

On August 24, a warrant was issued for Gould's arrest in the Aug. 20 incident. Two days later, Acarie was dead.

The Sheriff's Office said Tuesday that deputies have since secured another domestic-incident-related warrant for Gould's arrest. Officials did not elaborate.

bprieto@tribune.com or 407-420-5620

Domestic-violence hotlines

If you know someone who is in an abusive relationship, help is available through the region's domestic-violence hotlines:

Harbor House, Orlando: 407-886-2856

SafeHouse of Seminole: 407-330-3933

Help Now of Osceola County: 407-847-8562

Haven of Lake County: 352-753-5800

Domestic Abuse Council Inc: 386-255-2102 (Daytona Beach)

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