Shortly after midnight, Monday April 15, the third suspect in the murder of Steven McGee was taken into custody outside a Lake City Motel where he was staying.
After obtaining information from the U.S. Marshals, CCSO detectives responded to the Super 8 Motel off SR 47. After a short time, the suspect, Cody James Bartosek, 28 of Lake City came out of a room and he was taken into custody without incident.
Bartosek is the third and final suspect in the brutal murder of McGee, where McGee’s body was found dumped along a road near Fort White.
Bartosek was arrested on a warrant for premeditated murder, using a firearm in commission of a felony, felon in possession of a firearm, tamper with and destroying evidence, and mishandling of human remains. He is being held in the Columbia County Detention facility with no bond.
“We are extremely grateful to the U.S Marshal Service for their continued assistance.” Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “Our community can breathe a collective sigh of relief as all the suspects are in custody and they will now face justice.”
(Update April 12)Arrests Made In McGee Murder
In the early morning hours of Friday, April 12, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Detectives arrested two in the murder of Steven McGee, who was found Monday morning deceased along Old Spanish Road in the Fort White area.
Arrested were Dashan Ricardo Lewis, 42 and Danielle Katherine Cianelli, 22 both of Lake City.
Lewis was charged with Premeditated First Degree Murder with Firearm Discharge, Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence, Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Storage, Transport of Human Remains, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Short Barreled Shotgun.
Cianelli was charged with Accessory After the Fact to: Premeditated First Degree Murder with Firearm Discharge, Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence, Possession of Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Storage, Transport of Human Remains.
Lewis and Cianelli are both being held in the Columbia County Detention facility on no bond.
A third person of interest has been identified by detectives and efforts are underway to locate and interview him.
“I’m extremely proud of the hard work that led to these arrests.” Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “Detectives worked tirelessly around the clock to remove these dangerous suspects from our community and to provide much needed closure and comfort to the victim’s family. We know nothing can take away the pain of losing a loved one but we strive to give every victim’s family the answers they deserve.”
Sheriff Hunter added, “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners and especially Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office for the invaluable assistance in this difficult case.”
(Update April 9) Body Found Near Fort White Identified
Detectives have identified the victim as Steven McGee, 29. The victim’s last known address was in Branford, but he had connections to Columbia, Suwannee and Gilchrist Counties.
The investigation continues.
“Cases of this nature are rare in this area and cause fear in our community. “ Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “We are working around the clock to get answers and to bring the person or persons responsible to justice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victim as we work to provide them closure.”
(Original) Body Found Near Fort White
On Monday, April 8, Columbia County Sheriff Office Detectives began an investigation into the death of a male that was found lying in a wooded area off Old Spanish Rd near Fort White.
Before noon, Deputies responded to the area due to a report from a citizen. The citizen, who was taking a walk, discovered the body and called Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, who in turn notified CCSO. The area where the body was found is near the county line between Suwannee and Columbia Counties. Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this investigation by securing the scene until CCSO arrived.
The male has not been identified as of the time of this release and he will be taken to the Medical Examiner’s office in Jacksonville for autopsy to determine cause of death.
This case is active and on-going.
