A man wanted for the murder of two people in Binghamton, New York, has been captured in Florida. Scott Mitchell, 50, was arrested near a McDonald’s in Daytona Beach after a tip from the public led police to his location. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest and shared a photo of him being taken into custody. The person who reported his whereabouts will receive a $10,000 reward.
Background on the Case
Mitchell was wanted in connection with the deaths of Daniel McCloe, 58, and Marshall VanOven, 55. The two men were reported missing on February 3, and their bodies were discovered in a home in Binghamton on February 5. Police immediately launched a homicide investigation and identified Mitchell as the main suspect.
Authorities warned that Mitchell was armed and dangerous as he traveled through multiple states. He was first spotted in South Carolina before making his way to Florida.
Timeline of Events
- Feb. 3: McCloe and VanOven were reported missing.
- Feb. 5: Their bodies were found inside a home in Binghamton, New York.
- Feb. 8: A vehicle linked to Mitchell was found in Dorchester County, South Carolina. The sheriff’s office warned the public about him.
- Feb. 11: Authorities in Volusia County, Florida, began searching for Mitchell after recovering another vehicle connected to him. They believed he was traveling on foot.
- Feb. 12 (Around 2 PM): A tip led police to McDonald’s in Daytona Beach, where Mitchell was found and arrested.
Sheriff’s Warning to Criminals
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood sent a clear message to criminals: “If you commit a crime, do not come to Florida. We will catch you and send you back where you belong.”
How Mitchell Was Caught
Earlier in the day, an AT&T employee noticed a man panhandling and recognized him as Mitchell. Shortly after, police arrived and arrested him. The sheriff’s office had recently increased the reward to $10,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Binghamton police detectives are now on their way to Florida to take Mitchell back to New York, where he will face charges. For now, Mitchell remains in custody and has not spoken much to detectives.
