“Prolific Offender” Charged With Attempted Felony Murder After Alleged Home Invasion Robbery

A man characterized by Pasco County authorities as a prolific offender was arrested last week after allegedly kidnapping and robbing a man at gunpoint.

A man who allegedly escaped from the bathroom window of his own home told deputies a harrowing tale that started in the early morning hours of March 18 when James Edward Boyle allegedly arrived at his home heavily armed.

According to the unnamed victim, Boyle, who was armed with a sawed-off shotgun and a pistol, struck him in the face with the latter upon answering his door. He said Boyle then shot him in the shoulder and threatened to kill him as he herded the man into his bathroom. Once in the bathroom, the alleged victim says Boyle demanded money of him, and the alleged victim says he responded by handing him about $160.

He continued by saying that Boyle informed him that he’d begin digging a hole in the backyard for the man. Not wishing to end up in said hole, the alleged victim escaped through the bathroom window instead and alerted authorities. The alleged victim subsequently identified Boyle in a mugshot taken previously, as he said the two were friends at one time.

The Pittsburgh native was booked into the Pasco County Jail on a raft of felony and misdemeanor charges, including several felony drug charges, attempted felony murder, and felon in possession of a firearm. He remains incarcerated in lieu of a $134,300 bail.

The Law Offices of Bjorn Brunvand have been representing people charged with capital murder, felony drug charges, drunk driving, government fraud, and white-collar crimes for over a quarter century. Contact our office today to discuss your Tampa Bay-area state or federal charges.