TAMPA, FL – A man accused of violently attacking a woman in a park in December is now facing first-degree murder charges after the victim, a 65-year-old, passed away on March 16, 2025, following nearly three months at the hospital.
The incident occurred at University Area Park in Tampa, where the victim was brutally assaulted and robbed. Surveillance footage revealed that the suspect, Antonio Gueits, approached her, struck her in the face, causing her to collapse. Subsequently, he repeatedly stomped on her head while she lay unconscious, inflicting severe injuries.
Gueits was identified and taken into custody on the same day by detectives. The victim, Cerida Charon, remained hospitalized until she succumbed to complications from blunt force head trauma, as confirmed by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office. The death was ruled a homicide.
On March 17, 2025, Gueits was charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder, robbery, aggravated battery, and tampering with evidence. Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the senseless and inhumane attack, vowing to hold the perpetrator fully accountable for the heinous crime.
Criminal Defense Attorney Anthony Rickman provided insights into the case, highlighting the tragic circumstances where an elderly woman’s life was cut short by a young individual’s violent actions. Rickman emphasized the severe consequences Gueits would face if convicted, including a potential life sentence.
The investigation into the case is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and build a strong case against the suspect. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office provided essential information for this story, shedding light on the details of the tragic events that unfolded at University Area Park in Tampa.