Sievers murder suspect makes first SWFL court appearance

Author: stephanie susskind, morgan frances
Published: Updated:

FORT MYERS Fla. – One of the men accused of murdering Bonita Springs Doctor Teresa Sievers appeared before a Lee County judge for the first time Thursday morning.

Only WINK News was there as Wayne Wright arrived at the Lee County Jail overnight. He was driven from a prison in Jefferson County, Missouri, where he was originally arrested.

In court, the judge heard a laundry list of Wright’s prior arrests, dating back to 1988.

Wright was quiet, only answering, “yes I have,” when asked if he intends to hire a private council.

Investigators say Sievers’ husband, Mark Sievers, has been friends with Wright since they were children.

Back at Sievers’ Bonita Springs home, neighbors say it has remained quiet.

“I haven’t seen anybody in the house,” said neighbor Kevin Zitto-Collins, “In the last few weeks, one time (Mark) was there, but other than that I haven’t seen him.”

The other man arrested for Sievers’ murder, Jimmy Rodgers, is serving a six month sentence in federal prison for a probation violation. Rodgers will be brought to Lee County when he finishes that sentence.

Detectives say both men were spotted at a Lee County Wal-Mart the day before Sievers’ body was discovered inside her home.

“That was horrible what happened,” Zitto-Collins told WINK News, “I just hope they get the right guy and lock him up.”

Wright is currently being held on no bond. He’s due back in court November 16.

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