The Sanford man accused of killing his wife and abducting his 3-year-old daughter — launching a statewide Amber Alert that ended with his arrest in a motel in Murfreesboro, Tenn. — was turned over to Sanford Police detectives on Thursday.
Brent James Bockes, 50, is scheduled to make his first appearance in Lee County District Court today. He faces charges of first-degree murder, robbery and larceny of a motor vehicle in connection with the death of his wife, Missy Bockes, whose body was found in their Lee Avenue home on Jan. 5.
Warrants were first issued for Bockes’ arrest on Jan. 5 when Sanford Police were called to 3927 Lee Avenue for a wellness check on Missy Bockes. Her death was determined a homicide, and police issued the Amber Alert for their daughter, Riley Bockes, later that afternoon. Brent Bockes’ vehicle was found by Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies eight hours away in Murfreesboro, and after a short search involving a K-9 unit, Brent Bockes was found in a nearby motel and arrested on site. Riley Bockes was reported to have suffered no physical injuries, and the young girl was returned to family members the following week after a snow storm delayed her return.
According to Sanford Police, Brent Bockes is currently in Lee County Jail under no bond.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help pay for Missy Bockes’ funeral expenses and to support her daughter. Nearly $9,000 had been raised as of this morning. She will be laid to rest on today at Putnam Friends Church in Carthage. Donations can be made to HAVEN in Lee County, an organization for victims of domestic violence or abuse, in Missy’s name.