Wearing chains and an orange jumpsuit, the 18-year-old girlfriend of an escaped murder suspect could not hold back tears in a Broward County courtroom Wednesday morning, mouthing the words, "I love you too" to family members.
Wednesday’s hearing was more of a technicality, as the judge assigned Laquay Stern a new defense attorney because of a conflict.
Stern is accused of helping her boyfriend, 21-year-old Dayonte Resiles, escape this same courthouse last Friday. Investigators say he used a hidden handcuff key to break free of his shackles and dashed out of the building.
Detectives say that's when Stern and 22-year-old Winston Russell picked Resiles up in a silver BMW that had a bag of fresh clothes for him inside. Police say two teenagers were also involved in the incident, including one allegedly alerting Stern and Russell when Resiles escaped the courtroom by coughing to a cell phone.
Authorities said Wednesday that a fifth suspect has now been charged in Resiles' escape. Walter Hart III, 22, who is facing a second-degree murder charge, helped Resiles manipulate his restraints, authorities said.
A $50,000 reward is being offered for anyone with information leading to the arrest of Resiles, who is considered armed and dangerous.
