Fifth Person Charged In Inmate's Escape From Broward Courthouse
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) -- A Broward inmate is the fifth person to be charged in the escape of a suspected murderer last week.
Walter Hart, III, 22, arrested on murder charges back in 2014, allegedly helped Dayonte Resiles get out of his shackles and escape the Broward County Courthouse on Friday.
On Wednesday, he appeared before a judge who denied bond for the accused killer.
"This court is not satisfied sir that you would not be a danger to the community should you be released," said Magistrate Court Judge Michael Davis.
Investigators said surveillance video shows Hart blocking deputies' view while he and Resiles were in a holding area before their hearings on Friday. Hart was being escorted into the same courtroom as Resiles when he started "manipulating the restraints, ultimately allowing him to escape," according to the police report.
Hart's attorney is not buying it.
"There is nothing in it for him. He's been a model person while in custody. We're actively working on his other case to get him exonerated," said attorney Sid Fleischman.
Hart is now facing charges of escape and accessory after the fact to capital murder.
Earlier on Wednesday another person accused of helping Resiles escape faced a judge.
It was a tearful court appearance for Laquay Stern, 18, as she mouthed out "I love you too" to her parents who sat in court. She was there to have a new attorney appointed in her case.
Her parents had little to say after the hearing.
"God is good," said one of the parents.
Last week, Resiles was able to get out of his handcuffs, ditch his jail clothes then run out of the courthouse.
Detectives found Resiles and his suspected accomplices had a well-coordinated escape plan.
Stern and 22-year old Winston Russell, Jr. are accused of driving the get-a-way car and assisting in the planning. Both of them are facing charges of escape and accessory after the fact to 1st degree murder. They are being held on no bond.
Related: Attorney Of Suspected Murderer: 'I'm Shocked He Escaped'
Two 17-year old twin brothers Kreton and TreVon Barnes were also arrested for allegedly helping in the escape. The twins were sitting in court Friday when, investigators say they called Stern and Russell and coughed, a secret signal that Resiles was on the way to the get-a-way car.
At last check, Resiles was still on the run. Investigators say he is considered armed and dangerous. There's a $50,000 dollar reward for his capture.
Security is now tighter in Broward Courtrooms after the escape and an incident Tuesday where an inmate got a handcuff key that fell from a detention officer's pocket. Armed Broward Sheriff's Office deputies now guard all maximum security inmates while they are in court.
Sources told CBS4's Ted Scouten that detention deputies are also working overtime as added protection.
Attorney Anthony Bruno said the armed deputies are not a bad idea, but wonders if tethering the handcuff key to the deputies belts or other measures may be a safer idea.
"How would an armed deputy be able to stop the guy from running out of the courtroom," asked Bruno. "You have to remember there's a whole gallery packed full of people. There's attorneys in line. There's about 12 other inmates in there. Is the armed deputy going to open fire? You don't know. That could create further safety issues."
Anyone with information about Resiles escaped is urged to call Broward County Crime Stoppers at (954) 493- TIPS.
