By KYLE MARTIN
kmartin@hernandotoday.com

BROOKSVILLE—Two suspects have been named and another two arrested in connection with the attempted murder of 19-year-old Luke Griggs two weeks ago.

New details show the teenager was kidnapped at gunpoint in Hillsborough County, then driven to rural south Hernando County Friday, March 16, where he was shot, drenched in gasoline and lit on fire.

The attack occurred at the intersection of Hayman Road and Dan Brown Hill Road.

The suspects left him for dead, but Griggs escaped his burning pickup and ran blindly for help. A passing motorist stopped and extinguished Griggs’ smoldering clothes, the called the sheriff’s office.

Griggs is badly burned, but expected to live.

Both Griggs and the suspects are from Lutz.

Authorities reported that 25-year-old Bradley House was arrested Monday, charged with accessory after the fact. Hernando County sheriff’s detectives are also on their way to interview 22-year-old Erik Limas, who is being held in a Louisiana jail on unrelated charges. Limas will be charged with attempted first-degree murder, kidnapping and criminal conspiracy, said a local deputy.

Investigators are still searching for 28-year-old John “Poet” Thornton, whose last known address is on Data Drive in Lutz. Wanted for conspiracy to attempted first-degree murder is Carlene Troyer, 35, of Deer Meadow Drive in the same town.

Griggs is a known associate of all four suspects, the sheriff’s office said.

Thornton is described as a white male, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet, 8 inches. Authorities say Troyer weighs 135 pounds and stands 5 feet, 3 inches.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office at 352-754-6850.

Anonymous calls worth up to $1,000 can be made to 352-797-TIPS (8477).

Reporter Kyle Martin can be contacted at 352-544-5271

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