Winter Garden man arrested for 2011 murder during escort service scam

A 32-year-old Winter Garden man has been arrested and charged with the murder of a Seminole County man who was killed in his home in 2011 after he contacted an online escort service.

On Tuesday, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of James Hoover in connection with the 2011 shooting death of 44-year-old Harry James Hoover.

According to court records, Hoover was killed on August 17, 2011 while he was in his home. On that day, Hoover contacted an online escort service and agreed to have a woman meet him at his home at 3232 Timothy Street in Apopka.

That morning, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office detectives say that Williams arrived at the victim’s home with the intention of robbing him.

When Hoover opened the door for the escort, he was shot at least one time before he died on his living room floor. His body was discovered by a roommate the following morning, according to authorities.

In July 2022, police arrested 30-year-old Jessica Perry, who is from Ocoee, in connection with the homicide. Perry was indicted by a grand jury for first degree felony murder, attempted robbery with a firearm, and armed burglary of a dwelling, according to court records.

Jessica Perry
Jessica Perry

The indictment alleges that Perry “or her accomplice” killed Hoover by “shooting him in the head” in an effort to perpetrate a robbery.

On Monday, March 13, Williams was arrested at 378 Douglas Way in Winter Garden. He faces a charge of first degree felony murder. He is being held without bond.

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