Florida prosecutors seek the death penalty for a bodybuilder who killed his ex-wife and was arrested for it. Ian Baunach, an ex-Marine, is accused of slaying his estranged wife and burning her body. He allegedly tried to hide the corpse on his property.
Death Penalty for Accused Ex-Marine Bodybuilder
Based on the details released, the murder is intentional, with the evidence destroyed by the suspect. Other charges against him utilizing a radio device to commit a felony and then burning the victim about 48 hours after killing her. Baunach denied the spouse's death and kept it from the police, as reported by Crime Online.
The suspect denied guilt that his attorney Robert P. Harris gave a defense for, stressing that the state wants to execute the defendant, who is a war hero, noted Naples Daily News.
The defense stated that Baunach served his country well and the treatment he gets from the government is inappropriate. Harris stressed that his client served as a soldier to protect his country and is getting punished severely. He backed up the no-guilty plea in court.
Evidence That Bodybuilder Killed Ex-Wife
Specifics of the case state in September 2022 that, the victim disappeared without a trace. According to reports, Katie Baunach, 39, had left her kids at a friend's house so she could get her stuff but never went back for her children.
A Hendry County deputy checked and found her car in the driveway with her purse inside. The deputy tried to ring the couple's home, but no one was there to talk to. He returned about 45 minutes later to find that Katie's car had been moved and parked on the side of the street, citing Wink News.
The search warrant revealed the victim's blood was found in her former husband's car, and the hallway showed signs there was an altercation that happened. Other items found that belonged to the victim were wedding and engagement rings in a safe. The officers also discovered multiple weapons and silencers on the property. They also found illegal steroids, which added to building up a case for foul play.
During interrogation, the suspect told the detective that his wife had come to the house, and they argued. He decided to go to sleep to avoid her, and she was gone later when he awoke. He gave no explanation why Katie's car was still in the driveway, ad he even said the lack of a body indicates that Katie was not a missing person since there is no proof.
While enforcing a search warrant that proved the ex-marine had committed foul play in the residence, another warrant was issued that permitted a probe for the whole property, not just the house. Baunach tried his best to prevent the warrant from being carried, but it went through.
A breakthrough in the search is the discovery by officers of a piece of human bone and a tooth found in a burn pile that is believed to belong to Katie. A 50-gallon drum was also found with the stench of decayed flesh with a human bone inside it. The medical examiner traced the bones to be from Katie, which led to the arrest of Baunach last Monday. He remains in jail because no bond was allowed to let him out.
One outlet mentioned that the ex-marine is accused of violence against the victim but never brought to court. She would not have died if a judge did not withhold a protection order and instead told them to sort out their misunderstanding via counseling.
The bodybuilder suspected of killing his ex-wife will be tried for possession of illegal weapons, but Florida prosecution will pursue the death penalty for his crime.
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