Rollan Powell: Florida man charged with first-degree murder after staging wife's killing as failed robbery

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

TAMARAC, FLORIDA: The 76-year-old Florida resident stands accused of murdering his wife, purportedly shooting the 53-year-old victim within their shared residence as per Law & Crime. Allegedly, he then manipulated the scene to resemble a failed robbery.

Rollan Powell was arrested on Thursday, March 21, and authorities have charged him with one count of first-degree premeditated murder involving a firearm.

Police found dead adult female inside home

As per a statement issued by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a residence in Florida, in response to a shooting incident at approximately 11:43 p.m. on Friday, March 15. 

The home positioned in the 4500 block of Northwest 45th Court, is situated just over 30 miles north of Miami. Additionally, emergency medical personnel from Tamarac Fire Rescue were dispatched to the scene.

Upon their arrival, initial responders discovered an adult female inside the residence, having sustained an apparent gunshot wound. Tragically, she was declared deceased at the scene.

Less than a week following the shooting, Powell was apprehended by law enforcement. Authorities alleged that he had devised a plan to fatally harm his wife and stage the incident to resemble a robbery.

Rollan Powell allegedly orchestrated a burglary to conceal homicide

BSO Homicide Unit detectives reported that during their investigation, Powell appeared to orchestrate a burglary to conceal the homicide and gave inconsistent statements to detectives concerning the incident.

Subsequently, Powell was taken to the Broward County Main Jail for processing. On Friday, he appeared before a judge who determined probable cause for the murder charge, ordering him to be detained without bail.

Authorities refrained from speculating on a potential motive for the shooting. The news of Powell’s arrest unsettled the community, leaving many neighbors stunned. 

Linda Bran, who resides a few doors away from Powell, recalled his initial kindness when she moved in four years ago, describing him as a "very nice gentleman" in an interview.

Expressing sympathy, Bran remarked, "This is really sad because, of course, we don't know what happened.” Bran added, “I’m sorry for him. You know, like I said, he was a very nice gentleman and he helped me out many times."

Another neighbor, Steve Constandaras, expressed surprise at the alleged murder in what he described as a senior community.