Three dead as man attacks co-workers with baseball bat in Florida

The death toll reaches three, hours after a worker from Pennsylvania who was working in Florida went on a frenzy with a knife and a baseball bat.

The triple homicide suspect was identified as Shaun Runyon, 39, who was working with an electric company providing services to Publix supermarkets in Polk County, Florida.

An unidentified dispute triggered Runyon to return to his company-rented accommodation and attack his fellow co-workers, Polk County Sherriff Grady Judd said in a press briefing.

Runyon had punched a supervisor at work after midnight on Friday and fled the premises, according to the authorities.

His trail was then discovered around 10AM Saturday when the police had received a report of a murder in Davenport, Florida where the suspect and his co-workers were being housed by their company.

Runyon had beaten one victim to death in his sleep with a baseball bat, according to the authorities. The second victim was found dead on the front porch of the building, and the third victim later died at a hospital on Saturday.

The fourth victim survived a blow on the shoulder as they successfully escaped the premises with Runyon chasing after them.

A couple and their 7-year-old daughter managed to escape unharmed from the house.

After the incident, Runyon had fled until found in an “extensive” search that involved drone teams, K-9 units and countless deputies.

He was found at the Lake Wales Hospital after being directed by a couple who a blood-soaked Runyon had told he was raped.

Runyon knew all the people he attacked and has confessed to the brutal killings. He had a criminal history in Pennsylvania that includes violent strangulation, apart from assault and DUI related charges.

He has now been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery. The motive remains undisclosed.