Florida Man Accused of Plotting to Kill Neighbor From Jail Over Drone Dispute
CLERMONT, FLORIDA — September 22, 2026

A 69-year-old Florida man is facing a murder solicitation charge after authorities accused him of trying to pay a fellow inmate to kill his neighbor while he was in jail.

David John Butka allegedly offered the inmate $5,000 to carry out the killing, according to an arrest affidavit cited by local media.

Plot Allegedly Started Inside Jail
Investigators said Butka approached another inmate around September 7 or 8 and allegedly asked him to kill a neighbor who had previously been a witness in one of his criminal cases.

According to the affidavit, Butka allegedly provided the intended victim’s first name, physical description, morning schedule and information about how to find the person’s home.

The inmate later reported the alleged plot to jail officials on September 16 and provided investigators with handwritten notes documenting the conversation.

$5,000 Payment Allegedly Arranged
Authorities said Butka claimed he had approximately $1.3 million in the bank and offered $5,000 as an upfront payment.

Investigators also allege that Butka authorized the release of his credit card to the inmate’s wife. About $300 was subsequently transferred into the inmate’s jail commissary account, according to the affidavit.

The inmate who was allegedly approached did not intend to carry out the killing and instead helped authorities investigate the accusation.

Dispute Involved a Drone
The alleged murder plot reportedly grew out of a dispute between Butka and his neighbors over drone use.

Butka was arrested in July after authorities accused him of throwing a rock at a neighbor’s truck during a confrontation. He was being held on an aggravated assault case when investigators say the alleged murder-for-hire plan was discussed.

The neighbor who was allegedly targeted had previously cooperated with investigators in cases involving Butka, according to authorities.

Butka Denies the Allegation
Butka denied asking anyone to kill his neighbor when questioned by detectives.

According to the affidavit, he acknowledged discussing his criminal case and his credit card with another inmate but claimed the money was intended to help pay for legal representation. He also said he believed he had become the victim of fraud.

Butka was charged with solicitation to commit first-degree murder. His bond on the new charge was set at $25,000, according to local reports.

The allegations have not been proven in court, and Butka is presumed innocent unless found guilty.

Sources
WFTV — Inmate allegedly offered $5,000 to kill witness
WESH — Neighbors’ drone dispute turns into murder-for-hire plot
PEOPLE — Florida man accused of murder-for-hire plot
FOX 35 Orlando — Murder-for-hire plot targeting witness