Handyman charged with murder denied bond

A 40-year-old handyman charged with murdering one of his customers made his first appearance before a judge Sunday morning in New Port Richey.

Steven Robert Clairmont Jr. is facing one count of first-degree murder. Bond was denied and he remains behind bars at the Pasco County Jail.

According to a Pasco County Sheriff's Office report Kelly Bennett's teenage son found his mother dead inside the living room of their home at approximately 1 a.m. Saturday morning.

While deputies were responding to 9247 Wolcott Lane, a driver called 9-1-1 after seeing Clairmont Jr. walking along a roadway approximately one mile from the crime scene.

The caller told dispatchers that Clairmont Jr. was covered in blood.

Bennett, 35, died from upper body trauma according to the suspect's arrest report. Clairmont Jr. had been living with the victim and her son for about three weeks.

The suspect is no stranger to law enforcement. Clairmont Jr. has five previous arrests in Pasco County since 2007 on a variety of charges including burglary with battery, driving under the influence and violating the terms of probation.

Additional charges may be filed against the suspect as the investigation continues.