Osceola County Sheriff’s Office detectives last week arrested Buddy Dekle, 61, of Haines City, and charged him with second-degree murder for the death of Talmadge Howard Gentry, 69.

The investigation began on May 10 when deputies took a report regarding aggravated battery. According to witnesses, Gentry and Dekle, who had been friends for more than 30 years, would frequently park their airboats on a beachhead on Lake Hatchineha with other friends.

On May 8, Gentry was easing his boat into a space at the beachhead and with his boat accidentally brushed the leg of someone who was sitting on Dekle’s airboat. Witnesses said Dekle approached Gentry and punched him in the face. Gentry began apologizing but Dekle continued to hit him in the face and head without saying a word. Gentry was knocked unconscious.

Others who witnessed the incident provided medical care for Gentry and took him home. The next day, Gentry was admitted to Haines City Hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was put on life support. Dekle was arrested and charged with aggravated battery.

On May 29, Gentry’s family called Sheriff’s Office investigators to let them know Gentry had died from his injuries. On July 16, Sheriff’s Office detectives, working with the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office, learned the incident was ruled a homicide. The medical examiner’s office indicated the cause of death was blunt force head trauma.

Detectives obtained a felony warrant and arrested Dekle at his home in Polk County. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail with no bond.