JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A man accused of murdering a retired University of Florida professor and then setting his house on fire appeared in court Friday.
Stephen Underwood Jr. was arrested in Jacksonville Thursday night after fleeing from Gainesville.
The Gainesville Police Department said Underwood defrauded Thomas Oakland, 75, out of more than $37,000 since 2013.
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GPD said the victim filed a police report in February after realizing he had been defrauded.
GPD said Oakland died from blows to his head and body before his house was set on fire in what is believed to have been an attempt to cover up or destroy evidence in the murder.
Oakland told GPD he gave money to Underwood, because he wanted to help Underwood get back on his feet.
Underwood is charged with murder, arson, burglary and grand theft.
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