Bradenton triple murder suspect, Andres 'Andy' Avalos, Jr., made his first appearance this morning.
Avalos is facing three counts of second-degree murder and was ordered held without bond. Prosecutors say he confessed. He will be represented by a public defender.
Avalos’ time on the run ended Saturday. He was arrested and taken into custody shortly before 4 p.m. at a mobile home park in the 6300 block of 14th Street W without incident.
A couple spotted the man they kept seeing on TV. They had quick conversation with Avalos and called police. Neighbors were startled by the news.
“I was outside by myself putting Christmas decorations up, my door open and everything, was there all day," said Victoria Wilson, neighbor. "I had no idea, I thought this guy was long gone.”
Avalos' first appearance is scheduled for 8 a.m. at the Manatee County Jail.
Three people, including a church pastor, were killed Thursday in Bradenton. Deputies say 33-year-old Andres 'Andy' Avalos is their prime suspect.
The gold 2003 Chevy Suburban registered to Avalos was located on Friday at a Bradenton Walmart at 6225 State Road 64.
The three victims were identified on Thursday night as the suspect's wife, 33-year-old Amber Avalos, neighbor 46-year-old Denise Potter, and the pastor of Bayshore Baptist Church, James "Tripp" Battle.
"There are no words to express the broken and deeply grieved over the loss of our loved ones,” said Avalos Sr.
"This is all sudden and we're asking for prayers and support,” said Amber’s sister, Deanna Fereniere.
"My aunt was an amazing person,” said Amber’s niece, Alexandar Fereniere. “She was one of the strongest and bravest persons I know ... she would do anything to help anyone before herself."
Deputies responded to Bayshore Baptist Church at 1:20 p.m., located at 6502 14th St. W, which is where they found Battle's body. Amber Avalos and Potter were found dead at the Avalos home in the 1200 block of 67th Street NW.
Amber Avalos also worked at Bayshore Baptist Church. According to the church's web site she was in charge of the nursery and children's programs.
Authorities had been looking for Avalos since Thursday. They still aren’t sure where he had been hiding for the last few days.
Earlier Saturday, Avalo's family urged him to turn himself in. Andy Avalos Sr. spoke on behalf of his entire family at the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. He had one message for his son.
"I wanted to direct my words to my son, Andy Avalos Jr., at this moment. Andy, you know that your mother and myself, we love you deeply. And I hope you understand that. I hope that you understand, for the sakes of your children, Andrew, Adam, Anthony, Alicia, Aiden, and Ashton, that they don't understand what's happening. They are hurting. And they feel alone. They are in protective custody and away from their family until you turn yourself in. For their sake, son, I am pleading with you to please turn yourself in," Avalos said.