- November 17, 2024
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A Bunnell man convicted on three felony charges for beating an 88-year-old man during a robbery has been sentenced to life in prison.
Edmon Nathaniel Welch, 34, was convicted on charges of home invasion robbery, burglary with a battery, and battery on a person 65 or older at a Friday, Jan. 23 trial presided over by Judge David Walsh.
Prosecutors had Welch designated a “prison releasee reoffender,” making a life sentence mandatory based on the charges, according to a news release from the State Attorney’s Office 7th Judicial Circuit. He will spend the rest of his life in a state prison.
Welch, along with two accomplices, forced his way into 88-year-old Ray Mercer’s home June 29, 2013, and stole $200, struggling with him as they entered the house. Mercer was bleeding from both arms when deputies arrived.
Welch had nine prior felony convictions — including two prior burglaries and a grand theft over $20,000 — and 22 prior misdemeanor convictions.
