Man charged with murder after woman dies in Florida biker shootout on I-4, sheriff says

LAKELAND, Fla. — (AP) — A Cocoa man is facing murder charges after a woman riding on his motorcycle died following a high-speed shootout with a rival biker gang, authorities said.

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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that the 33-year-old woman died hours after she was shot in the head early Friday in the gun battle on Interstate 4 between Lakeland and Orlando.

Ronald Donovan, who is jailed without bond, was scheduled to have an initial court appearance Saturday. Court records did not list an attorney for him.

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Investigators said the shooting began when members of the Thug Riders passed the Sin City Deciples on the interstate.

Donovan allegedly shot and wounded a Thug Rider in a battle between motorcycles at speeds of more than 100 mph, leaving bullet casings scattered on the highway.

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Although Donovan is not accused of shooting his female companion, under Florida law committing certain felonies that result in an indirect death can be charged as murder.

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