A man from Palm Harbor, Florida, aged 37, has been accused of second-degree murder following a violent altercation over a car loan. The accused, Matthew Weldon, allegedly killed another man when the car was not returned in a timely manner.
Weldon was arrested after the death of Carroll Bryan, aged 49. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reported that they received a 911 call at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. A neighbor alerted the authorities after Weldon confessed to committing a murder.
Upon police arrival, Weldon, covered in blood, was found at the scene. He revealed to deputies, “He is dead,” while indicating his residence. Inside, authorities found Bryan on the back patio, dead from severe injuries to his head, neck, and arm.
An investigation into the case revealed that Weldon and Bryan had become acquainted at a bar in Clearwater, Florida two weeks prior to the incident. Initially, their relationship seemed friendly, with Weldon lending his car to Bryan about a week before the deadly confrontation. However, conflict arose when Bryan failed to return the vehicle as agreed.
“Bryan did not return the vehicle when he agreed to, and Weldon became upset,” the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office press release stated. When Bryan returned the car on May 21, a dispute started between the two men. Detectives believe Bryan was on the rear patio when Weldon struck him in the back of the head. Bryan was subsequently attacked multiple times while on the ground, resulting in his fatal injuries.
A neighbor recounted the moment when Weldon confessed. “He came to my door, covered in blood, and said he had killed someone. I immediately called 911,” the neighbor said.
During his initial court appearance, Weldon told the judge he could not afford an attorney, despite living in a home appraised at nearly $2 million. Public records indicate the property is owned by a trust. Weldon requested a public defender, claiming, “I don’t have any money of my own.”
When asked by the judge about his financial assets, including cash, stocks, or bonds, Weldon replied, “Unfortunately, no.” He mentioned ownership of two vehicles, including a Jaguar, but stated they were of low value and still under financing.
The incident has left neighbors in disbelief. “This is a very quiet neighborhood. Very quiet, so [it’s] very strange,” said Jana Joyner, a resident across the road from the scene. Peg Mahara, who has lived in the neighborhood for 45 years, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’ve been here 45 years. I’ve been here a long time, and there’s never been anything like this.”
As the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident, Weldon remains in custody at the Pinellas County Jail without bond. He sustained minor injuries during the altercation that led to Bryan’s death.
