TAMPA, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has charged 18-year-old Antonio Gueits with first-degree murder following the death of a woman who was brutally attacked and robbed in December.
On December 26, 2024, at approximately 6:56 AM, deputies responded to the University Area Park, located at 14013 N. 22nd Street in Tampa, and found Cerida Charon, 65, severely injured.
Surveillance footage revealed that Gueits approached Charon and struck her in the face, causing her to collapse. While she was unconscious, Gueits repeatedly stomped on her head, inflicting severe injuries, including multiple broken bones and a brain bleed. He then stole her purse and fled the scene.
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Gueits was identified and taken into custody later that day.
Charon remained hospitalized since the attack and was pronounced deceased at Morton Plant Hospital on March 16, 2025.
An autopsy conducted by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Charon’s death was caused by complications from blunt force head trauma, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
On March 17, 2025, Gueits, who was initially arrested on other charges, was charged with first-degree murder.
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“This was a completely senseless and inhumane attack over nothing more than a purse,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “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.”
The investigation remains active.
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