Speaking of which....
Disney Cast Member Assault Defendant Appears in Court
Prosecutors hope for speedy trial, defendants’ next court date in April
By Richard Tolman
Orlando Union-Dispatch Staff Writer
A Windermere man has been charged with felony assault and battery this week. The defendant, Robert Krex, charged with physically assaulting two members of the Walt Disney World security staff, appeared in court for a hearing yesterday, in a preface to what is sure to be a trial marked by nearly a year of legal wrangling and postponements. He could face up to 25 years in prison for the felony charges.
Krex, 24, has pled not guilty to charges of assault and battery with intent to kill stemming from an incident that took place near the Magic Kingdom entrance on Tuesday.
Krex appeared in Orange County Court yesterday afternoon for the first time, according to Orange County District Attorney (D.A.) spokeswoman Melissa Shepton.
The victims of the attack, security officer David Cordova, 38, and Rachael Wishon, 25, had been attempting to confront the tourist regarding his shirt which had a lewd slogan on it when things turned ugly. The shirt had F.C.U.K. printed across the front. F.C.U.K. is an acronym for European Clothing Design Firm, French Connection UK. Representatives for the company were not available to comment.
"He just went nuts. One minute we were having a conversation and the next he was swinging like a madman," said Wishon. "This is supposed to be the happiest place on earth and we do our best. I'm just so sorry something like this had to happen and my prayers are with Dave and his family."
David Cordova, the senior member of the security team at the incident sustained serious injuries to his face and head and remains in a drug induced coma as doctors attempt to curb swelling in his brain. Should Cordova die, Krex will face a murder charge in the state of Florida.
Robert Streit, former head of Disney security was saddened by the news.
"You know when you are in the Disney Company; you are in the Disney family. We always knew something like this was possible; you just hope and pray that it never happens. I wish Dave a full recovery and he's definitely in my thoughts."
Capt. Mark Strobridge, Supervisor of Media Relations for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, believes the legal battle about to be played out in the courts will be long.
"The suspect has a history of mental illness, I'm sure they are going to try and play that card before too much longer. Today's hearing is just the first of many so who knows, but the long and short of it is that the guy nearly pummeled a man to death over a T-shirt. There's no shortage of witnesses so you hope that the thing should just be open and shut."
The defendant’s next court date is scheduled for April 4th.