Elderly Tampa Man Beaten in August Robbery Dies

TAMPA, FL — An 81-year-old Tampa man found unconscious in his North 20th Street backyard on Aug. 17 has died from his injuries. Police say his accused attacker now faces first-degree murder charges.

According to Tampa Police, Alfred Watton died from his injuries on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Upgraded charges against Carlos Alberto Cordero, 47, were filed and announced on Friday.

The investigation into Cordero began shortly after Watton was discovered in his backyard around 6:30 p.m. Aug. 17. At the time, police said they believed the attack occurred earlier that afternoon. Watton’s car, a red Kia Sedona, was missing from his property, along with a few of his possessions, police noted at the time.

Cordero was quickly announced as a person of interest in the case. Police said he was the last person to see Watton before the attack.

Police say Watton suffered a skull fracture in the attack. Cordero and Watton had gotten into a dispute over money related to lawn care services, police said in August.

Cordero was initially arrested in August on aggravated battery on a person over 65 years and robbery charges.

Booking photo of Cordero courtesy of the Tampa Police Department