John Anthony Hancock, 42, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of probation after pleading guilty to manslaughter in a case involving the death of 84-year-old Theresa Evelyn Bogue. The plea was entered on Dec. 5, 2024, in the courtroom of Judge Stephen E. Toner of Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit.
The incident occurred on June 15, 2021, at the gaming establishment Spinners on Commercial Way in Spring Hill. After winning $200 on a gaming machine, Hancock grew upset upon hearing that there were no cash payouts. He demanded his winnings or his money back. The clerk called 911 due to Hancock’s threatening demeanor and escalating temper.
The victim was a regular customer at Spinners. She overheard what was going on and told Hancock that there were no cash payouts and he needed to leave. Hancock approached the clerk again, then turned around and punched Bogue in the face. As she fell backward, she hit her head on the corner of a gaming table.
Bogue was able to tell deputies that she had been struck by a man, causing her to fall backward and hit her head. The clerk told deputies that the suspect fled and got into the passenger side of a small white sedan.
Bogue was transported to a local hospital, where doctors discovered she had sustained a brain bleed. Despite treatment, she passed away on April 2, 2022, with the medical examiner ruling her death as complications from blunt trauma sustained during the altercation.
Investigators identified Hancock as the suspect through surveillance footage and a transaction at a nearby motel. A taxi driver who drove Hancock to his motel came forward to identify him from the surveillance footage that was sent to area gaming businesses.
Investigators learned he had returned to his home in Virginia shortly after the incident. When contacted by authorities, Hancock initially denied being in Florida but later admitted his involvement in the altercation.
An arrest warrant was issued, and Hancock was extradited to Florida to face charges. “The evidence in this case was irrefutable and left no doubt about the defendant’s responsibility for this tragic loss of life,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit Walter Forgie. “By pleading guilty, the defendant has accepted responsibility for his actions, and we hope this brings some measure of closure to the victim’s family.”
Assistant State Attorneys Robert Lewis and Kasey Whitson prosecuted the case.
