The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has charged a man with murder following a violent attack that led to a woman's death.
On December 26, 2024, at approximately 6:56 a.m., deputies responded to the University Area Park, located at 14013 N. 22nd Street in Tampa.
Upon arrival, deputies found a severely injured woman who had been brutally attacked and robbed.
Surveillance footage revealed that Antonio Gueits, 18, approached the victim and struck her in the face, causing her to collapse. While she laid unconscious, he repeatedly stomped on her head, inflicting severe injuries, including multiple broken bones and a brain bleed. After stealing her purse, he fled the scene.
Later that same day, detectives positively identified Gueits and took him into custody without incident.
Since the attack, the victim, Cerida Charon, 65, remained hospitalized. On March 16, 2025, she was pronounced deceased 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.
On March 17, 2025, Gueits was charged with First-Degree Murder.
"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.”
This remains an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.