Updated · WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale · Aug 5
Michael Simpson Posts Bond After Attempted Murder Charge Reduced in Diver Oxygen Case
Updated
Updated · WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale · Aug 5
Michael Simpson Posts Bond After Attempted Murder Charge Reduced in Diver Oxygen Case
3 articles · Updated · WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale · Aug 5
Summary
Michael Simpson, 51, left a Miami-Dade jail Wednesday after posting bond hours after a judge reduced the charge tied to an underwater oxygen shutoff allegation.
Prosecutors say the case began with a dispute over dive locations off Fisher Island during lobster mini-season, after which Simpson allegedly swam to a juvenile diver’s brownie air supply and turned it off.
Investigators said the boat owner jumped into the water to rescue the boy, who surfaced disoriented, tangled in the hose and gasping for air, while Simpson allegedly boated away before surrendering Tuesday.
Defense lawyer Howard Srebnick said video shows an accuser fell off the boat and became entangled while Simpson was nowhere near the equipment, adding the state agreed attempted felony murder was unsupported.
Miami-Dade officials said Simpson had served on the county’s Boater Safety and Bay Education Task Force, calling the alleged conduct contrary to its mission as he said both sides should be heard.