Bond for suspects in 5-year-old’s murder set at $1.2 million

Author: Nicole Papageorge
Published:

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- The two men arrested in the murder of 5-year-old Andrew Faust Jr. faced a judge Tuesday morning.

34-year-old Thomas Edison and 31-year-old Terrance Irons appeared in court for the first time as the suspects in the drive-by shooting that killed Andrew two weeks ago.

Both of the 5-year-old’s parents were in court. Andrew Faust Sr. asked the judge to hold the suspects without bond.

The judge said he could not do that but did set bond at $1.2 million for both Edison and Irons.

WINK News spoke to both of Andrew’s parents Monday night and Tuesday morning in court. Faust Sr. says he actually knew the two men. They are both violent offenders and convicted felons.

“I was happy, and I thank the community and law enforcement for doing their job,” said Faust Sr.

“Now I’m able to rest, like seriously rest. I’m able to smell the fresh air, I can even, I feel like I can even see clearer now,” said Andrew’s mother Toyetta Simpson.

Edison has 13 prior bookings in Lee County, Irons has 30.

Police were able to make the arrests because a witness finally came forward.

Chief Doug Baker praised his detectives who worked around the clock to make the arrests and he said this is what happens when you get involved in the community and people do the right thing.

Several community leaders were on hand for Tuesday’s announcement including the mayor, city council members and former NFL star and community leader Earnest Graham who the chief says was vital in increasing the reward money.

Chief Baker says there’s not a lot they can reveal at this time about the investigation. He says they are making every effort to protect the witness. The witness has requested to be relocated as this case moves forward.

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