The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office announced today that 61-year-old George Henry Balboni has been adjudicated guilty following a violent attempted murder in Key Largo involving a crossbow.
Balboni entered a plea of no contest to attempted first-degree premeditated murder and was adjudicated guilty by Circuit Court Judge James Morgan. He was sentenced to 78 months in the Florida Department of Corrections, with credit for 213 days served. He was also ordered to pay a total of $983 in fines and court costs.
The charges arose from a Sept. 16, 2025 incident at a residence in Key Largo, where Balboni attempted to kill a friend of his landlord by shooting the man in the head with a crossbow. The investigation revealed the defendant formulated a plan in advance and used a false medical complaint to lure the victim into a vehicle before carrying out the attack.
Evidence further showed that Balboni had threatened to kill the victim in the days leading up to the incident. Once the victim was seated in the vehicle, Balboni fired a crossbow bolt at close range, striking the victim near the ear. The victim sustained a head injury but survived the attack.
A physical struggle followed, during which the victim was able to disarm Balboni and subdue him. During the investigation, the defendant made statements acknowledging his intent to kill the victim. Deputies recovered the crossbow and multiple bolts at the scene, along with other evidence consistent with the attack.
“This was a calculated and premeditated attempt to execute another person using a crossbow, carried out through deception and aimed directly at the victim’s head,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield. “The only reason we are not discussing a homicide is because the defendant failed in his attempt and the victim fought back. This kind of deliberate violence in our County will be met with serious consequences. I want to thank the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for their swift and professional response and the strength of their investigation, which ensured this defendant is now where he belongs.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Trey Evans.
