Man allegedly stomped on woman’s head in 'violent attack' that led to her death months later

TAMPA, Fla. (TCN) — An 18-year-old man faces a charge of murder after allegedly severely beating an elderly woman who then died months after the attack.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, on Dec. 26, shortly before 7 a.m., deputies responded to the University Area Park and found a “severely injured woman who had been brutally attacked and robbed.” Surveillance footage allegedly showed that the suspect, Antonio Gueits, approached the victim, 65-year-old Cerida Charon, and hit her in the face, causing her to fall.

While Charon was on the ground unconscious, the sheriff’s office alleges Gueits “stomped on her head” and caused multiple broken bones and a brain bleed. Gueits allegedly stole Charon’s purse and fled, but deputies took the suspect into custody later that day.

Charon remained hospitalized after the attack and was pronounced deceased around three months later, on March 16. The Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office determined Charon died of complications from blunt force trauma and ruled her death a homicide.

On March 17, authorities charged Gueits with first-degree murder. He also faces charges of robbery less than $750, aggravated battery great bodily harm victim over 65, tampering with physical evidence, robbery $750 or more but less than $20,000, and felony battery.

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