Florida Man Arrested After Woman Escapes Captivity in Storage Container; Second Victim Found Dead

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida man is facing multiple felony charges after a woman escaped from a storage container where she had been held captive and severely assaulted. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 40-year-old David Earl Gipson on charges including murder, sexual battery, aggravated battery, and false imprisonment.

Deputies took Gipson into custody Tuesday afternoon near Douglas Ferry Road, shortly after the victim—whose identity has not been released—was discovered by a passerby after managing to escape captivity.

According to the sheriff’s office, the incident began Sunday when Gipson visited the woman’s home and became violent, attacking both her and her 74-year-old mother-in-law. He allegedly bound, gagged, and beat the woman before forcibly taking her to his own residence, where the abuse continued.

At Gipson’s home, the woman reported being sexually assaulted and later confined in what Sheriff Kevin Crews described as an “oversized toolbox” located outside the residence. Her escape led authorities to the shocking discovery.

Emergency responders transported the woman to a local hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment for extensive injuries. During the investigation at the victim’s home, deputies discovered the body of her mother-in-law, who is believed to have been beaten to death during the initial attack.

Sheriff Crews confirmed that Gipson is no stranger to law enforcement, with a criminal record that includes 33 felony charges such as arson and burglary.

Authorities believe the ordeal lasted from Sunday into Monday before the victim’s dramatic escape. The case remains under investigation.