MIAMI BEACH, FL – A Florida man is facing second-degree murder charges in the death of his mother, who traveled from New Jersey to Miami Beach out of concern for his wellbeing. The incident has shocked the local community with its brutality and the details emerging from police investigations and court records.
Elizabeth Caruso, 67, journeyed to Miami Beach on July 19, reportedly planning to check on her son, Anthony Caruso, 40, after concerns arose about his behavior. Surveillance footage later released by authorities showed her speaking with a hotel clerk across the street from Anthony Caruso’s residence. That was among the last sightings of her alive.
Later that same day, authorities allege, Anthony Caruso killed his mother in his apartment at the Blackstone Apartments in South Beach. The arrest affidavit describes a violent scene, noting the victim’s neck had been so grievously injured it was nearly severed. Additional injuries included multiple fractures to her arms, hands, face, and head, according to the medical examiner’s report.
The investigation began when a relative grew concerned after not hearing from Elizabeth Caruso for several hours and contacted police. Officers responded to the apartment building on Washington Avenue after building staff discovered a trash chute left open and smeared with blood. Bloodstains led from Anthony Caruso’s apartment to the trash room and across the hallway, intensifying suspicions.
Police tracked the trail of evidence to a dumpster on the building’s first floor, where they found Elizabeth Caruso’s body. Investigators at the scene gathered further evidence that pointed to the violent confrontation having taken place inside her son’s apartment.
Law enforcement attempted to reach Anthony Caruso inside his residence, but he did not respond. Special tactics teams, including SWAT and a K9 unit, were brought in after initial efforts failed. Officers eventually detained Anthony Caruso, who sustained injuries during the encounter and was subsequently hospitalized before being transported to jail.
Authorities have not indicated a precise motive for the killing. According to police, Anthony Caruso was believed to be suffering from mental health issues. Records also show that Caruso was on probation at the time of the alleged murder, stemming from previous arrests in 2022 on charges such as aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery, and arson.
Anthony Caruso is being held without bond at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He has not made any statements to investigators since his arrest.
The case is scheduled for a court hearing on November 20 in Miami-Dade County. As the investigation continues, both the family and the community are seeking answers regarding what led to the violence that ended Elizabeth Caruso’s life.