Florida Trail Attack Suspect Released on Bail
A 23-year-old man from Florida, Jacoby Tillman, previously facing four felonies over the last four years, was escorted to a sheriff’s cruiser. This occurred just before a judge granted him bail set at $9,500. This bail is in connection with charges of attempted murder and rape related to an incident on a jogging trail.
Tillman had avoided capture for about two months prior to his arrest. The charges against him include serious allegations of rape and an attempt to take a woman’s life. Remarkably, he was out on bail less than two days after his arrest.
As detailed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the attack unfolded on the Little Econ Greenway Trail around 8:20 a.m. on July 25. Tillman allegedly assaulted a woman from behind, choking her until she became unconscious.
Tillman’s arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday morning. Judge Vincent Chiu agreed with the prosecution’s request to revoke his bail during the hearing, after which he was to be taken to the Orange County Jail.
A statement attributed to Tillman, relayed by his girlfriend—whose name is not disclosed—suggests a chilling attitude: “I didn’t rape women. I tried to kill women,” he reportedly stated. He further mentioned having a bizarre curiosity about strangling someone.
The victim described waking up disoriented, with no pants or underwear on, and after realizing what had transpired, she managed to escape and seek help from passersby. They called 911 and provided her with clothing.
In addition to being choked unconscious, the victim reportedly suffered injuries to her face, which were documented in a police report.
Further investigation revealed a witness who saw a man matching Tillman’s description running away from the scene after the assault. This individual found the victim’s belongings—her cell phone and keys—nearby.
Security footage also allegedly captured Tillman disposing of the victim’s underwear. Following the attack, law enforcement advised women to remain vigilant when jogging or walking, advising against the use of noise-canceling headphones and urging them not to go alone.
After being taken into custody, Tillman was seen in a patrol vehicle, appearing defiant as he glared into the camera. Following his bail hearing, Sheriff John Mina publicly criticized him, describing him as “terrible.”
Court records show that Tillman has a long history of felony charges, including robbery and assault stemming from 2021, along with a conviction for assault in 2023. Currently, he faces several grave charges, including attempted first-degree murder and assault by strangulation.
