Warrant reveals more about federal agent's accused killer

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police have released new details about the suspect arrested for the fatal shooting of a federal agent.

A Pembroke Pines Police Search Warrant has shed more light into what 65-year-old James Wonder may have told others about the killing of U.S. Customs Agent Donald Pettit before police captured him.

Pettit died on Aug. 5 in the parking lot of a Pembroke Pines post office from a gunshot wound to the back of his head. His 12-year-old daughter Gabriella Pettit witnessed her father's death and helped give a description of the gunman to police, which lead them to Wonder.

Early in their investigation police said the shooting was the result of a road rage incident.

According to the warrant, Wonder arrived at the Universal Kidney Center about 40 minutes after the shooting in order to receive a dialysis treatment. The document said, "He told the nurses he had been involved in a road rage incident and was very upset. Additionally, he states he was almost killed at a stop sign. The nurses noticed Mr. Wonder was wearing a green golf shirt, similar clothing that matched the description given by witnesses."

Wonder returned to the kidney center the following day, as the massive manhunt continued for Pettit's killer, including an emotional news conference by Pettit's widow pleading for the public's help. Meanwhile, those working at the dialysis center noticed something odd about Wonder. "The nurses noticed that James Wonder has changed his appearance by coloring his hair black," the warrant revealed. "James Wonder related to the nurses that he had anger problems and needed counseling. Additionally, James Wonder referenced Donald Pettit's murder and indicated that the suspect who shot the victim was a professional."

Nurses also noticed Wonder arrived in a different car. Police had already released a description of the suspect vehicle, which was similar to the car Wonder usually drives. Someone phoned a tip to police that a man resembling the alleged killer was at the clinic, and detectives, along with a special response team, closed in on Wonder then and there.

In the warrant, police said Wonder confessed and indicated "he returned home shortly after the shooting where he attempted to bury the aforementioned handgun in the backyard of his residence."

According to the police document, among other items police were able to get out of Wonder's home: two handguns, gun magazines and a bottle of hair oil.

Wonder now sits behind bars without bond, awaiting trial.

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