Murder suspect accused of burying body in North Lauderdale backyard seeks bail – NBC 6 South Florida

A North Lauderdale man accused of burying a body in his backyard after a murder is hoping a judge will give him a chance to be released from jail on bail.

Simon Hand, 25, is accused of shooting 22-year-old Demerian Hudson in Hand's home in July 2022 and disposing of the body.

The investigation into Hudson's death began when his family reported him missing. Days later, his remains were found in Hand's North Lauderdale home.

BSO

Hand shot Hudson twice in the head, then wrapped his body in plastic and carpet and forced his roommate Bradley Bellamy to help him bury the body, Broward Sheriff's Office officials said.

Both men were caught on surveillance cameras at Home Depot the day after the murder purchasing a shovel and a pickaxe.

At the Arthur hearing on Monday, defense attorneys argued that Bellamy was the one who killed Hudson and subsequently persuaded Hand to help him.

The defense argued that Bellamy changed his story several times, including whether he witnessed the murder.

“One time he didn't see it, another time he saw it. And we know that he told anyone who would listen who wasn't a police officer that he shot himself,” said Sheila Zolnoor, Hand's defense attorney.

A Fort Lauderdale Police Department detective testified about the moment she realized Hudson was buried in the backyard.

“I'm standing on the grass and I'm thinking, this isn't solid and it was spongy, and I thought, I think I'm standing on the victim,” said Det. Leann Swisher.

Shortly thereafter, investigators discovered Hudson's body at the crime scene. Hand was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

But the state says there is no doubt that Hand is the one who killed Hudson. A BSO forensics analyst read in court several searches found on Hand's phone in the days following the murder.

One search query allegedly asked, “Can there be a murder suspect if a person is missing?” Another allegedly asked, “How long does it take for a body to decompose?”

The judge will now need several days to decide whether to grant Hand bail or keep him in custody until trial. His co-defendant Bellamy is accused of aiding and abetting after the fact.