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Valrico carjacking, murder suspect James Hanson indicted by grand jury on 7 counts

James Hanson 2
Posted at 3:20 PM, Aug 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-23 15:20:50-04

VALRICO, Fla. — The man accused of robbing a Valrico bank, carjacking 68-year-old Mathew Korattiyil and killing him has been indicted by a grand jury.

The incident happened earlier this month beginning at the CenterState Bank in the 1800 block of FL-60 E.

RELATED: Missing carjacking victim found dead after bank robbery in Valrico, robbery suspect arrested

James Hanson allegedly pointed a gun at 68-year-old Mathew Korattiyil, shoved him to the passenger's side of his white 2019 Lexus SUV and carjacked him.

Hours after the carjacking, HCSO announced they found Korattiyil dead in a grassy area of Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Church located at 2620 Washington Road.

Our I-Team discovered Hanson at one time was serving a life sentence, which was later reduced before he was ultimately released after 16 years.

According to documents from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Hanson has been charged in the past with burglary with assault and battery, pass forged, larceny, burglary of dwelling with assault,
burglary of dwelling unarmed, grand theft, trespassing after warning, robbery with firearm.

About a week and a half ago, Hanson reportedly tried to commit suicideby hanging himself. He is still listed in critical condition at the hospital.

For the August incident, the grand jury indicted him on charges of premeditated murder, abduction with the intent to inflict bodily harm, motor vehicle theft, robbery, obstructing an officer with violence, robbery with a firearm and felony battery.