September 18, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
(Escambia County, Florida) On September 16, 2025, Circuit Court Judge Linda Nobles sentenced Natalie Fonseca and Nafis Reynolds each to thirty years in Florida’s Department of Corrections.
On the morning of October 8, 2023, a man, bloody, beaten, and barefoot approached an Escambia County Sheriff Office deputy at a gas station near Scenic and Davis Highway. An ambulance was called, and the victim was taken to the hospital. Investigator L. Martinez was assigned the case and met with the victim. Through his investigation, Inv. Martinez learned that the victim had met Fonseca on social media and on the evening of October 7, 2023, the victim went out with Fonseca and Reynolds. While the three of them were out, and as Fonseca was driving victim’s vehicle, Reynolds beat the victim and demanded his money. After beating the victim, taking his money, and his phone, Fonseca and Reynolds cut the victim’s throat and threw him off the Escambia River Bridge. After leaving the victim for dead, Fonseca and Reynolds left the scene in the victim’s vehicle and subsequently set it on fire. Defeating all odds, the victim swam to shore and survived.
Approximately eight days later, Fonseca brought another victim to their residence, and Reynolds robbed this second victim at gunpoint. At the time of their arrest, Fonseca had this victim’s belongings in her possession.
Both defendants ultimately entered a plea to charges including Attempted First-Degree Murder, Kidnapping, Carjacking, Robbery, Arson, and Tampering with Evidence.
At sentencing, Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Frederick V. Longmire stated, “the defendants are equally culpable for these heinous and unspeakable crimes.” Longmire argued the Defendants’ actions indicate they are a danger to the citizens of Escambia County, Florida, and a sentence of thirty years in prison is warranted.
The investigation and arrests were conducted by the Escambia County Sherrif Office. Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Frederick V. Longmire prosecuted the cases on behalf of Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. For further information, please contact Mr. Longmire at 850-595-4200.
