SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A man accused of killing a worker at a mosque near Sanford was indicted Tuesday by a Seminole County grand jury on a charge of first-degree premeditated murder, according to the state attorney’s office.
Ahmed Raslan, 38, was also indicted on charges of burglary of a structure with battery and grand theft.
Raslan was arrested on March 24 after he was shot by deputies in Indian River County. Investigators said he drove a stolen van there following the death of 59-year-old Mahmood Al Taee.
[TRENDING: Orlando couple out nearly $5K after ATM takeover scheme | Video: Parkgoer removes alligator from Wekiva Springs swimming area | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
Deputies said Raslan had broken into the Husseini Islamic Center near Sanford earlier in the day.
The sheriff’s office said that Raslan was possibly deranged and believed he was told to come to the mosque by Julius Caesar. According to officials, the suspect said he was told to defend Julius Caesar’s home, and he was given the address of the mosque.
Investigators believe Raslan bludgeoned the victim to death with a shovel.
Following the shooting in Indian River County, Raslan was kept in the hospital until he could be extradited to Seminole County to face charges.
He is being held without bond.
No trial date has been set.