Triple-slaying suspect indicted on murder counts

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) – A Florida man accused of killing his wife, a neighbor and a pastor who worked with his wife has been indicted on first-degree murder charges.

A Manatee County grand jury handed down the three counts against 33-year-old Andres Avalos Jr. on Tuesday. A grand jury indictment is required for prosecutors to seek the death penalty in Florida, but prosecutors haven’t said whether they’ll pursue it in this case.

Authorities say Avalos fatally shot his wife, 33-year-old Amber Avalos, and their neighbor, 46-year-old Denise Potter, at the couple’s Bradenton home on Dec. 4. He then made his way across town to Bayshore Baptist Church, where officials say Avalos shot and killed the Rev. James “Tripp” Battle.

Avalos was arrested two days later at an area mobile home park. Prosecutors say Avalos gave a full confession to investigators after his arrest.