ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A 42-year-old inmate already facing multiple felony drug and weapons charges is now accused of arranging the murder of a witness scheduled to testify against him in a pending criminal case, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
Dustin Furnal, 42, has been charged with solicitation to commit murder and tampering in a first-degree felony proceeding following an investigation by the sheriff’s office Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
Investigators said Furnal, who has been incarcerated at the St. Johns County Jail since June 2026, was communicating with another individual to arrange the killing of a person expected to testify against him.
Detectives Uncover Alleged Murder Plot Through Jail Recordings
According to the sheriff’s office, SIU detectives uncovered the alleged plot through investigative efforts that included reviewing hours of recorded conversations.
Detectives examined jail telephone calls and visitation recordings involving Furnal and another individual.
Authorities said the recordings captured discussions between the two concerning the alleged plan to murder the witness.
The investigation resulted in the two additional felony charges against Furnal.
Furnal Already Facing Fentanyl, Methamphetamine and Firearm Charges
Furnal has been held in St. Johns County since June 2026 on multiple felony charges, including:
- Trafficking in fentanyl
- Trafficking in methamphetamine
- Unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony
- Tampering with evidence
- Conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine
- Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of cocaine
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Bond Revoked; Suspect Remains in Jail
Furnal’s bond was revoked on October 17, 2026.
He remains in custody at the St. Johns County Jail without bond.
The new charges stem from the alleged attempt to arrange the killing of a witness connected to his pending criminal proceedings.