15-year-old accused in Oakland Park killing denied bond

D'Marcus Tucker charged with first-degree murder in death of Nicole Franco

OAKLAND PARK, Fla. – A 15-year-old accused of killing a woman inside her Oakland Park apartment in June appeared in a Broward County courtroom Friday morning, where a judge denied his attorney's request to be released on bond.

D'Marcus Tucker is charged with one count of first-degree murder in the death of Nicole Franco.

Franco, 19, was found dead June 3 inside her home at the Bridgewater Place Apartments at 2800 NW 44th St.

Broward Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Dani Moschella said Franco called 911 to report a burglary at her apartment, but she didn't give a precise address.

Deputies arrived at the complex and went door-to-door looking for evidence of a crime. Eventually, they stumbled upon an open sliding-glass door at Franco's first-floor apartment and called out to her, but there was no response. Once inside, deputies found Franco's body.

Tucker, who was one of Franco's neighbors, was armed with a knife from Franco's kitchen when he went into her bedroom searching for cash and jewelry, deputies said. Franco was asleep at the time, deputies said, but Tucker woke her up after he accidentally stepped on her purse and made a noise.

Deputies said Tucker stabbed Franco once in the chest and ran from the room. They said he then watched from the doorway as she reached for her cellphone and called 911. In the call, Franco is heard screaming "No," one time before the call drops.

Deputies said Tucker threw Franco's wallet in the lake behind her apartment. DNA evidence found on Franco's comforter led detectives to Tucker, who was already being held in a juvenile facility in Fort Myers on an unrelated charge.

He was then transferred to the main Broward County jail.

Nicole Franco.

As Friday's bond hearing was ending, Judge John Hurley gave Tucker some last-minute advice.

"You have a very fine attorney in the courtroom with us," Hurley said. "(She is) very experienced. She knows exactly how to handle this case and I expect you to allow her to speak on your behalf. You don't need to say anything."

Tucker's attorney, Lubna Abualown, did not object to the bond that was set, but she did file a motion for preservation of evidence, saying she wants the opportunity to review everything.

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