The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A man who lives near Brian Laundrie’s parents was arrested for allegedly assaulting a protestor outside the family’s house.
39-year-old Angelo Jason Zappacosta lives in North Port, Florida. His residence is very close to the home where Brian Laundrie’s parents live.
Brian Laundrie has currently captured the attention of many after his fiancée, Gabby Petito, went missing while they were on a road trip together.
Petito’s body was later found in the woods, and the authorities have ruled her death a homicide.
Brian Laundrie, who went missing a couple of days before she was located, has been named a person of interest in the case.
Since Brian’s disappearance, news teams and community members have been spending time outside of the Laundrie residence. They have made constant attempts to get involved, and/or collect information about Brian and the family with regards to the Petito homicide.
One of the citizens hanging out in front of the Laundrie home with a camping chair had spent a couple of days there. He occasionally used a bullhorn to shout comments at the family while they were inside their house.
On the evening of September 28, the man in the camping chair was reportedly approached by a man that lives nearby.
The homeowner, identified as Zappacosta, thought that the protestor had wandered onto his property without permission.
Another person at the scene recorded a video of the altercation that unfolded between the men.
The footage shows Zappacosta yelling at the man and telling him that he needs to stay off his property or he would physically harm him. Zappacosta reportedly pushed the man and used foul language to try to amplify his message.
As Zappacosta is seen walking down the street, purportedly back to his home, the alleged victim can be heard threatening to press charges against him.
The man notified the authorities, and they viewed the video of the alleged altercation.
Zappacosta was taken into custody and booked into the county jail on a $620 bond. He was charged with simple assault and released a few hours later.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.