Cops: Accessory In Lacey Hills Killing Helped Boyfriend

AVON PARK - The girlfriend of a suspect in the shooting death of a Sebring man reportedly helped her boyfriend get away and elude capture, according to a Highlands County sheriff's press release.

Sheriff's investigators announced the arrest of Vackara Darnell Massaline, 31, of Sebring, the girlfriend of Donald Alfonso Henry, 36, of Sebring, who is wanted in the shooting death of Hugh Andrew Marks, 31, also of Sebring.

Marks' body was found near the intersection of Garrett Road and Alabama Road in the Lacey Hills subdivision, near Avon Park, on Jan. 7.

Massaline was arrested Wednesday and charged as an accessory after the fact on a charge of first-degree murder. She remained in Highlands County Jail on Thursday without bond.

"Massaline assisted Henry in fleeing the area following the shooting of Andrew Marks," the press release stated, and assisted him in evading arrest after he was identified as the suspect in the case."
According to a probable cause affidavit, Massaline was seated in a vehicle at the time, shortly before the shooting took place while Marks and Henry argued.

He reportedly motioned for Massaline to pull the vehicle forward just before he pulled a gun from his waistband and shot at Marks several times, the report stated.

How many shots struck the victim has not been released by detectives.
She then reportedly drove Henry out of town where she abandoned their vehicle in a different location in Orlando, to throw off the investigation, the report stated. Massaline later returned to Henry's location to bring him clothing and money to aid in his escape, the report stated.

Detectives say she repeatedly gave them false information while at the same time communicating with Henry.
A warrant was issued earlier in the month for Henry's arrest in connection with the fatal shooting. Henry remained at large Wednesday.

No possible motive for the shooting has been released by detectives.
Deputies reportedly arrived on scene at about 10:41 a.m. Monday Jan. 7, after receiving 911 calls reporting the shooting.

When the Highlands County Emergency Medical Services personnel arrived they determined that Marks was dead.

Anyone with information about the shooting or the whereabouts of Donald Henry is encouraged to contact the sheriff's office at 863-402-7200.

Anyone with information about the shooting of Marks, or the whereabouts of Donald Henry that wishes to remain anonymous or to become eligible for a cash reward should call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).