Updated July 27 at 1 p.m.
BRADENTON – Holmes Beach resident Douglas Naeher, charged in the July 20 attempted murder of his wife, Stephanie Naeher, was ordered to be held without bond by 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Teresa Dees at a July 25 pre-trial detention hearing at the Manatee County Judicial Center.
Naeher has been held at the Manatee County Jail since his arrest on July 21. While on a boat 33 miles offshore of Anna Maria Island, Naeher allegedly stuck his wife multiple times, strangled her while underwater and attempted to leave her in the water. He was additionally charged with domestic battery.
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Det. Patricia Hetrick testified at Friday’s hearing about the condition of the crime scene and the victim.
“There were blood droplets and smears around the boat,” she said.
Hetrick said the victim showed signs of injury on her head, face, arms, foot, ankle and lower back. Hetrick said since the arrest has been made public, a witness has come forward with information.
“We’re continuing to investigate additional evidence,” Hetrick said. “The witness said he saw a man driving the boat. The man asked him to take the female back to shore with him, he declined and the boat sped off. He (the witness) didn’t see her but said there appeared to be a girl on the floor of the boat under an umbrella.”
Hetrick said the victim expressed concern about Naeher being released.
“She thinks he’ll kill her and finish the job,” Hetrick said.
Douglas Naeher was represented at the bond hearing by attorneys Adam Dunn and Jerome Meisner. He testified that he has strong family ties in the area, does not possess a valid passport and if released, will adhere to GPS monitoring and agree to have no contact with his wife. At least a dozen of his family members were in the courtroom for the hearing.
Naeher said his financial assets include his home at 505 58th St. in Holmes Beach valued at a little over $1 million, a 2017 boat worth $80,000 and a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado truck.
“Those assets are being used to fight this,” Dunn said.
Assistant State Attorney Dickey Hough argued against Naeher being released on bond and said he poses a flight risk and has a history of escape. He cited a 1986 conviction for battery, resisting arrest and escape.
During the hearing, Naeher said, “I’ve got no reason to leave my house. My wife is trying to take it from me.”
Dunn said Stephanie Naeher has a 2024 felony conviction, which he said could lead to a “credibility issue.”
According to Manatee County court records, she was arrested and convicted of several offenses that began when she walked out on a $51 bar tab at the Freckled Fin in Holmes Beach. As a result, on May 22, she was convicted of resisting an officer with violence, battery on a law enforcement officer, possession of alprazolam, fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer and driving while under the influence with an unlawful blood alcohol level.
Dunn also stated that Douglas Naeher filed a dissolution of marriage in June, but it doesn’t appear that his wife has been served yet.
In making her decision to not release Naeher on bond, Judge Dees cited, “incredibly concerning allegations of multiple attempts to murder the victim.” She also said he poses “a high immediate danger to the victim.”
Related coverage:
Holmes Beach man accused of attempted murder
