Man Charged With Murder Months After Violent Attack In Tampa: Sheriff

TAMPA, FL — An 18-year-old was charged with murder months after a violent attack that led to a woman’s eventual death, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Deputies found a severely injured woman “who had been brutally attacked and robbed” when they responded to the University Area Park at 14013 N. 22nd Street in Tampa on Dec. 26 just before 7 a.m., the sheriff’s office said.

Surveillance footage revealed that the suspect, Antonio Gueits, approached the victim, 65-year-old Cerida Charon, and hit her in the face, causing her to collapse, investigators said.

While she was unconscious, he repeatedly stomped on her head, severely injuring her, including breaking multiple bones and causing a brain bleed. After stealing her purse, he left the scene.

Later that same day, detectives identified Gueits and took him into custody without incident.

Since the attack, Charon has remained hospitalized. She was pronounced dead on Sunday at Morton Plant Hospital.

An autopsy conducted by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner's Office, confirmed the cause of death as complications from blunt force head trauma. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
Gueits was charged with first-degree murder on Monday.

"This was a completely senseless and inhumane attack over nothing more than a purse," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “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.”