Vero Beach Duo Arrested in Bat, Knife Attack on Motel Couple

A man was beaten with an aluminum baseball bat while a woman was threatened at knifepoint inside a room at the Palm Inn in Vero Beach early Tuesday. Two suspects were taken into custody within minutes of a high-risk traffic stop, the Vero Beach Police Department said.

Michael A. Jackson, 49, and Leigh H. Kennedy, 47, are each charged with home invasion robbery with a deadly weapon, burglary with battery, aggravated battery and aggravated assault in connection with the attack, which unfolded just before 2:30 a.m. at the motel at 2202 U.S. Highway 1, police said.

Officers responding to a reported disturbance found a male victim suffering significant head injuries and a woman inside one of the rooms. A preliminary investigation determined that Jackson and Kennedy knocked on the victims' door and forced their way inside. Jackson then struck the man repeatedly in the head with the bat while Kennedy held a knife to the woman and demanded money and valuables, officials said. The pair stole personal property before fleeing in a white Chevrolet SUV.

Patrol officers located the SUV within minutes and conducted a high-risk traffic stop, taking both suspects into custody at the scene.

The male victim was transported to Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, where he was treated for serious head injuries.

Jackson is being held on $300,000 bond and Kennedy on $250,000 bond, public records show.

Investigators are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Vero Beach Police Department Detective Division. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-273-8477.

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