British Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Florida Pool Incident

A British man has been charged with attempted murder following an incident in which he allegedly attempted to drown his daughter-in-law during a family holiday in Florida. According to local authorities, Mark Raymond Gibbon, 62, from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, was arrested after the alleged attack on August 6, 2025, at the Solterra Resort in Davenport, Florida.

The situation escalated after an argument about Gibbon’s grandchildren at their rental home. Reports indicate that he pushed the 33-year-old victim into a swimming pool and held her head underwater multiple times, preventing her from breathing. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd detailed that officers responded to calls regarding a disturbance at approximately 17:20 local time.

Witnesses played a crucial role in the incident, as holidaymakers in neighboring properties alerted authorities after observing the struggle. The victim’s nine-year-old daughter also attempted to intervene by jumping into the pool to rescue her mother.

Upon arrival, law enforcement officers arrested Gibbon and took him to Polk County Jail. He now faces charges of attempted second-degree murder and battery. Sheriff Judd emphasized the importance of responsible behavior among visitors, stating, “It’s great that Polk County draws visitors from all across the world, but we expect vacationers to behave while they visit with us, just as we expect our lifelong residents to do the same.”

Gibbon’s actions have raised concerns about safety in vacation areas, highlighting the potential dangers that can arise even in seemingly peaceful settings. As the legal proceedings unfold, Gibbon may find himself facing significant time in Florida, far beyond his expected holiday stay.