Man charged with second degree murder in Pine Island Christmas Day homicide

By MARIANNE PATON, pineisland@breezenewspapers.com
POSTED: December 27, 2008

A suspect has been arrested in the bludgeoning death of a Pine Island man in the Pink Citrus Mobile Home Park off Stringfellow Road Christmas Day.

Antonio Resillas, 36, who officials say is an undocumented immigrant, was arrested Christmas night at approximately 10:15 p.m. and charged with second degree murder in the death of Francisco Bernal, 39, officials said.

Resillas was unable to provide investigators with a local address or phone number.

According to investigators, Resillas and Bernal were talking at Bernal's home at 113 Fifth St. when an argument broke out. Bernal was found fatally injured inside the home. At this point, it appears death was caused by blunt force trauma, officials said.

The call had come in to the Lee County Sheriff's Office at noon.

Arriving deputies and emergency workers found Bernal dead on scene with obvious signs of trauma to the body.

According to witnesses, Resillas had attacked Bernal, climbing on top of him and then striking him. Resillas then reportedly carried Bernal into his residence where he was later discovered by family members, officials said.

Following the arrest, it was discovered that Resillas was an illegal alien from Mexico and has used several aliases in the past, officials said.

As a result of this information, Resillas is considered a potential flight risk and remains in custody.

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