Florida man allegedly killed girlfriend’s mother on her 93rd birthday
03/18/2022 1:55 pm PDT
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (TCD) -- A 54-year-old man was arrested after allegedly killing his girlfriend’s mother on her birthday.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the victim, Dolores Padilla Marrero, was killed March 13 — her 93rd birthday. Javier Rosado Martinez reportedly went to the facility where Dolores lived, and a neighbor let him in.
The following day, WOFL-TV reports Marrero’s son-in-law and daughter couldn’t reach her. They reportedly went to check up on her and discovered her naked, lying face up with a blanket covering her torso. Additionally, a pillow was covering her face, WOFL says.
Upon further investigation, a medical examiner confirmed Marrero died by strangulation and chest blunt force trauma, WOFL reports. Her death was reportedly ruled a homicide.
On the bed, detectives allegedly recovered Martinez’s necklace, which has a distinct animal tooth or horn on the end.
According to WESH-TV, surveillance video revealed Martinez at the living facility. His motive is unknown. However, WESH reports that another of Marrero’s daughters and Javier lived at the facility with Marrero. In January, Martinez was reportedly asked to leave, partially due to his alleged drug and alcohol addiction.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Martinez was arrested and charged with first-degree murder on March 16.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina told WESH, "This is a tragic and heinous case and our thoughts are with her family and her loved ones."
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