Details released in professor murder

PLANTATION, Fla. (WSVN) -- Plantation Police have detained a person of interest who is somehow connected to the murder of a Nova Southeastern University professor.

Police said they arrested 21-year-old Randy Tundidor on unrelated charges, but they have not said in what way this person might be connected to the murder of Dr. Joseph Morrissey, 46.

Police arrested Randy for violation of probation, but his brother, Sean Tundidor, said his brother is a lot of things, but he did not murder Morrissey. "My brother is a lot of things, and he was wanted for a lot of things, but he's not a murderer. He's not a killer," Sean said in his brother's defense.

According to property records, Randy's family rents a home owned by Morrissey. "He's the landlord," Sean acknowledged. "I know about him and my father being, not friends but acquaintances. He would come by the house and they would talk."

The manager at the Beverly Hills Cafe recognized Randy when police arrested him. She said he was at her restaurant on Wednesday, at around 3 p.m. "They just swarmed him and took him and threw him on the floor and took him out the back door," she said.

"Obviously the police thinks that he has some involvement," noted attorney Jim Lewis said, "some information or knowledge, and that is why he's sitting in the jail, but we just have to see how this all sorts out over time."

Randy is being held at the Broward County Jail. He was on probation because he was charged with felony burglary out of Margate.

In the meantime, police have revealed more details about Morrissey's murder. They said he was stabbed several times, although police have said that the home invasion robber had a gun. The stabbing took place at Morrissey's home, located along Northwest Sixth Court and 75th Terrace at around 12:30, Tuesday morning.

According to detectives, the suspect went into the house through an open window and sliced the screen. "He entered that home through an open window. He had sliced the screen and climbed through. Once inside, that culprit robbed the couple at gunpoint, while their 5-year-old son slept in another room," said Plantation Police detective Robert Rettig. "The couple was then abducted and was forced to drive to an area ATM, where an undisclosed amount of cash was withdrawn. They were then driven back to the residence where they were bound."

Police said Mrs. Morrissey was able to get out of the ties and ran out to neighbors for help. "They kind of got inside his house and asked him and his wife to take them to the bank to get some money," explained Fred John, a neighbor.

Police have not said how much money the supposed killer made off with or at what ATM the couple withdrew the money from or if there is any surveillance video. Detectives have been at the home day and night to lift evidence from the home, as well as its surroundings, including a dive team search of a canal at the back of the home.

If you have any information that can help police in their investigation, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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