Michael Simpson Charged in Florida Diver Air Supply Murder Attempt

Michael Joseph Simpson Jr., a 51‑year‑old from Miami Beach, was arrested and charged with attempted second‑degree murder after allegedly turning off the air‑supply system of an 18‑year‑old lobster diver during a dispute on July 29 in Biscayne Bay near Fisher Island. Witnesses said Simpson’s boat anchored close to the victim’s vessel, a verbal clash ensued over the diving spot, and Simpson swam to the surface‑supplied “Brownie” air unit and shut it off, leaving the diver gasping and tangled in a hose. The victim was rescued by the other boat’s captain and taken to shore.

Simpson surrendered on August 4, was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, and posted a $10,000 bond. A judge reduced the original attempted felony‑murder charge to attempted second‑degree murder. The incident was captured on video and is being investigated by the Miami‑Dade Sheriff’s Office.