Investigators Have Prime Suspect For Karen Courts Murder

Could a routine eviction notice that turned violent help crack a yearlong murder investigation?

The thinks so and have their prime suspect in the

The sheriff's office announced today that William Case, 49, of 2061 Ringling Blvd., will face burglary charges for breaking into a home at 2174 Schwalbe Way on March 31, 2011 — the same day Courts' body was found across the street. Case has not been charged for Courts' murder, but the sheriff's office is putting together the pieces of why they say Case is the prime suspect.

The sheriff's office does not have any other suspects, WWSB reported:

"Case is our one and only suspect at this time," said Captain Jeff Bell with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. "We have evidence that directly links him to this crime."

The latest clues started when Case was arrested April 12 when he attempted to shoot at a deputy serving an eviction notice and the deputy shot in self defense and protected others at the scene, the sheriff's office said.

Case's fingerprints were analyzed and as well as his clothes that Case wore during the eviction incident, the sheriff's office said. The sheriff's office's Forensics Unit determined that Case' fingerprints and shoe pattern — a New Balance running shoe — were consistent with evidence found at the Courts home burglary.

Fingerprints and blood were tested from pieces of glass broken for a window used to gain entry to the home, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Case also appears to look similar to the man in security footage shown leaving Courts' car at on the day of the murder, the sheriff's office said.

All that combined with other evidence gathered so far has led the sheriff's office to come forward with these new accusations.

Last year, Courts' family held a press conference about

Courts’ son-in-law, Randy Wild, said the case and the unknown suspect have caused a lot of unrest in his family. Wild said he felt the need to speak today because of what Courts meant to his children and his wife, Robin Wild.

“She meant everything to them, meant everything to us,” he said. “She helped us out in every way she could.”

Courts was a registered nurse for 30 years.

Investigators want to hear from anyone who has more information on Case and to call 941-861-4900.