TAMPA, Fla. -- A 21-year-old woman was arrested and charged on Thursday in the brutal murder of her neighbor.
- Police say woman murdered neighbor
- Sarah Martinez charged with 1st-degree murder
- Eddie Quezada, 74, killed with machete
Sarah Martinez is accused of murdering 74-year-old Eddie Quezada at his home at 2302 E Liberty Street with a machete. Authorities say he died from upper body trauma.
Tampa police conducted a welfare check on Quezada on Sept. 2 after receiving a request from a concerned neighbor. Police found Quezada deceased inside his home with multiple lacerations to his upper body.
The investigation led to Martinez who police say had borrowed money from Quezada in the past and had asked him for help in getting a job. During an interview, police say Martinez gave inconsistent explanations, but ended up admitting to striking Quezada.
Martinez was arrested late Thursday and charged with first-degree murder, armed burglary, and attempted robbery with a deadly weapon.
Police say the motive remains unclear and the investigation is ongoing.