Rocky E. Priser, a 71-year-old white male, was found dead on July 1, 2018, in his home in Golden Gate Estates, Naples, FL. The circumstances surrounding his death were tragic and complex, involving his daughter, Rocquel Priser, who was later arrested and charged with his murder. According to reports, Rocquel Priser, a 39-year-old woman, shot her father in the head with a handgun.
The incident occurred in their home, and Rocquel continued to live in the house with her father's decomposing body for several days before authorities were alerted.
The case came to light when Susan Priser, Rocky's wife, initiated a welfare check on her husband while she was in hospital care. She informed deputies that she had witnessed her daughter shoot Rocky Priser. Susan Priser had fled into the woods behind their home out of fear for her safety and was later found injured. When deputies arrived at the home on July 5, 2018, they found Rocquel Priser barricaded inside. After a two-hour standoff, they detained her and discovered Rocky Priser's body wrapped in a cloth.
Rocquel Priser was charged with second-degree murder and faced additional charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting or obstructing an officer while in jail. During her time in custody, Rocquel was found incompetent to stand trial and was committed to the Department of Children and Families. The case highlighted the complexities of mental health issues and their impact on criminal proceedings.
The investigation revealed that Rocquel Priser had a history of mental health problems, which played a significant role in the events leading up to and following the murder of her father. The legal proceedings were marked by debates over her competency to stand trial, with experts differing on their assessments. Ultimately, Rocquel Priser's mental state was a critical factor in the handling of the case, and she remained under the care of mental health professionals while the legal process continued.
This tragic incident underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues and their potential consequences on individuals and their families. The death of Rocky E. Priser and the subsequent legal and mental health challenges faced by his daughter, Rocquel, serve as a poignant reminder of the need for comprehensive support systems for those struggling with mental health conditions.
