TAMPA, FL – An 18-year-old Florida resident faces a felony murder charge following the death of a 65-year-old woman who was viciously attacked and robbed in an incident caught on camera.
The suspect, Antonio Gueits, was charged after Cerida Charon succumbed to her injuries sustained on December 26, 2024. Authorities said Gueits approached Charon at University Community Park, attacking her unprovoked.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reported that surveillance footage captured Gueits striking Charon in the face, causing her to collapse. As she lay unconscious, he continued to assault her, causing severe injuries, including multiple broken bones and a brain bleed. After rifling through her belongings and stealing her purse, Gueits fled the area, the sheriff’s office said.
Law enforcement was summoned shortly before 7 a.m. that morning, according to officials. Responding deputies found Charon gravely injured at the scene. Later the same day, investigators identified and apprehended Gueits without incident.
Court documents reveal that the attack commenced at around 3:56 a.m. The surveillance footage details Charon seated on a park bench before Gueits approached and struck her. After she fell to the ground, he kicked her before rifling through her belongings and leaving with her purse.
In a chilling sequence, Gueits is said to have returned minutes later to the unconscious Charon, further violating her and moving her belongings before once again departing the scene. Upon arrest, Gueits reportedly acknowledged his role in the assault, admitting it felt gratifying to him in the moment to release his anger, he allegedly told investigators after being read his Miranda rights.
Despite gaining consciousness during her hospitalization, Charon was unable to recall the details of the attack. She succumbed to her injuries on March 16, leading to the upgrading of charges against Gueits to include murder.
Prosecutors argue that Gueits should remain in custody until trial due to his criminal history, which includes prior convictions of aggravated assault with a weapon, battery, and theft. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 27.