18-03-2025
Woman, 65, dies from ‘inhumane attack' over purse at Tampa park: sheriff
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A young man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman who Hillsborough County deputies said he brutally beat over 'nothing more than a purse.'
The alleged attack happened a day after Christmas, on Dec. 26, 2024, at the University Area Community Park, located on North 22nd Street in Tampa, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
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Deputies said they found the victim, Cerida Charon, 65, in the area around 7 a.m. that morning. According to authorities, she had suffered several severe injuries, including multiple broken bones and a brain bleed.
Surveillance video showed the suspect, Antonio Gueits, 18, approach Charon at the park, the sheriff's office said. He then struck her in the face, which officials said caused her to collapse.
In the video, Charon could be seen lying unconscious on the ground as Gueits repeatedly stomped on her head, investigators said. He then ran from the area after grabbing her purse.
Gueits was taken into custody later that same day after detectives said they were able to positively identify him as a suspect. However, his charges have now been upgraded.
Deputies said Charon remained hospitalized for months after the attack, but ultimately succumbed to her injuries on Sunday, March 16.
An autopsy conducted by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that she died from complications from blunt force head trauma, and her manner of death was ruled a homicide, the sheriff's office said.
As a result, Gueits was charged with first-degree murder on Monday, March 17.
'This was a completely senseless and inhumane attack over nothing more than a purse,' Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a release announcing the upgraded charges. 'This innocent woman was left unconscious, suffering, and fighting for her life for months because of this man's horrific actions. Now, with her tragic passing, we will make sure he is held fully accountable for this brutal crime.'
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