A founder of the Salt Life clothing brand is facing a manslaughter charge in the death of an 18-year-old woman at a Florida hotel. Michael...
A founder of the Salt Life clothing brand is facing a manslaughter charge in the death of an 18-year-old woman at a Florida hotel.
Michael Troy Hutto, 54, was being held without bond Sunday at the Duval County jail in Jacksonville following his arrest in connection with the death of 18-year-old Lora Grace Duncan, whose body was found Thursday at a Palm Beach County hotel.
She had been shot, police said. Further details have not been released.
Hutto was arrested Friday in his hometown of Jacksonville, about 280 miles from the hotel, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
During his arrest, Hutto was wearing green hospital scrubs and red skid-proof socks. He was wearing handcuffs when placed into a Highway Patrol car, photos posted on the agency's Twitter account show.
Investigators have not said how they believe Hutto is connected to Duncan's death or if they had a relationship.
Lora Grace Duncan who was found shot dead at a Hilton hotel in Palm Beach County on Thursday
Florida Highway Patrol arrested Hutto on Friday at a hospital about 280 miles away in Jacksonville
Hutto is being held at the Duval County jail in Jacksonville following the death of Lora Grace Duncan who was found shot to death
Duncan was from Lake City, a town 60 miles west of Jacksonville.
Investigators had been looking for the woman since October 26, after her parents asked the Columbia County Sheriff's Office to conduct a welfare check.
She had previously left the county voluntarily according to the Florida Times-Union.
Hutto and some friends started Salt Life in 2003, its brand aimed at boaters, surfers and fishermen who spend time on the ocean.
They billed themselves as 'hardcore fishermen' who were 'living the salt life' on open waters, Hutto is credited with coming up with the name.
Police have not said now Hutto is connected to Duncan or whether they had a relationship
Investigators had been looking for Duncan since October 26, after her parents asked the Columbia County Sheriff's Office to conduct a welfare check. She had previously left the county voluntarily
The company issued a statement saying Hutto has not been involved with the company since he and his partners sold the business in 2013 for almost $40 million.
The company posted a statement to their Facebook page: 'Sadly we have learned one of Salt Life's co-founders has been charged with a felony. Salt Life sends their utmost sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased. In 2013, the co-founders of Salt Life sold their entire business to the new owners. The co-founders have not been associated with the brand in any way since the purchase in 2013.'
He remained held without bail Monday at the Duval County Jail.
Jail records do not show if Hutto has an attorney.
He will be transferred to Palm Beach County, where he will face an initial court hearing and more details will be released.
Salt Life say Hutto is not involved with the company after selling it in 2013
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