Man arrested for murder of 78-year-old Naples woman

Thomas J. Evans – Photo courtesy of Naples Police Department.

U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Task Force arrested Thomas J. Evans, 35, in Houston County, Georgia Friday for the murder of Frances Axley, 78, of Naples.

Axley was found dead in her home off the 1300 block of Chesapeake Avenue by NPD Tuesday on New Year’s Day.

Naples Police Department identified Evans as a suspect and issued an arrest warrant leading up to his arrest. Evans faces 2nd Degree Murder Charges.

Monica Cabada was Axley’s next-door neighbor for the past four years. Although Evans has been arrested as a suspect in Axley’s death, Cabada has not found any closure from it.

“I still don’t feel any easy,” Cabada said. “I don’t know who this person is. I’ve never seen him before. This woman never left her house. I mean why would someone go and kill her? It doesn’t make any sense.”

Neighbors said they last saw Axley with her son coming back home from vacation. Axley split her time between Waterloo, Illinois and Naples.

MORE: Friend remembers 78-year-old Frances Axley, Naples Homicide Victim

“I think I saw her when she had first landed in Naples, and they were unpacking cars,” Lieberfarb said. “And, yes, there were two of them.”

The homicide investigation is still ongoing and active, and any person with information regarding the death of Frances Axley is urged to contact the Naples Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (239) 213-4822 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS

Local Headlines

Refreshing Tuesday morning, then a warm and sunny afternoon

The Weather Authority is tracking a cool Tuesday morning start with seasonal afternoon temperatures, bringing in suns and clouds.

Lehigh Acres crash shuts down Bell Boulevard South

A crash on Bell Boulevard South has shut down traffic in both directions, creating heavy traffic delays in Lehigh Acres.

2 dead following deadly motorcycle crash south of US-41

Two people are dead following a deadly motorcycle crash that occurred late Monday night south of US-41 in Fort Myers.

Observation Wheel proposed for Downtown Fort Myers

Councilman Johnny Streets is taking his vision for the city of Fort Myers to new heights. He’s asking the council to consider building an observation wheel downtown, similar to the ones seen in places like Miami or Myrtle Beach.

Woman injured during barge party honoring crash victim

The Matlacha community has endured much recently. Tragedy struck again over the weekend after a woman got injured during a barge party in honor of Mary-Lou Sharp.