In a shocking and brutal assault that ended in the death of a 65-year-old woman, an 18-year-old Florida man, Antonio Gueits, is facing felony murder charges after a horrific attack on December 26, 2024. The early morning assault, captured by a surveillance camera, has left both the victim’s family and the local community reeling with grief and disbelief.
The Fatal Assault: A Cold and Violent Attack
The incident occurred at approximately 3:56 a.m. on December 26, 2024, at University Community Park in Hillsborough County, Florida. Antonio Gueits, who was seen in the surveillance footage approaching the victim, Cerida Charon, as she sat on a bench, launched an unprovoked attack that would ultimately lead to her death. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Gueits struck Charon in the face, knocking her to the ground. He then proceeded to stomp on her head repeatedly, inflicting severe injuries, including multiple broken bones and a brain bleed.
As Charon lay unconscious, Gueits, showing no remorse, continued his assault, rummaging through her belongings and stealing her purse. After briefly fleeing the scene, Gueits returned to the victim’s body, dragged her a short distance, and violently kicked her once more. He then left the scene, taking a shopping cart that had been next to her and abandoning it near her lifeless body.
The Arrest and Shocking Confession
Later that day, detectives identified Gueits from the surveillance footage and took him into custody without incident. Once in police custody, Gueits admitted to the assault, confirming that he was the person seen in the video. In a chilling statement, Gueits told investigators that during the attack, “it felt good to get his anger out.” This remark has left many wondering about Gueits’ mental state and the motivations behind his horrific actions.
Post-Miranda, Gueits continued to provide details about the incident, revealing that the violent act, though unprovoked, seemed to offer him some form of emotional release. His statement has raised questions about the possible psychological factors that contributed to his brutal actions.
The Victim: Cerida Charon’s Final Moments
Despite the brutality of the attack, Cerida Charon, who was initially left unconscious and critically injured, survived long enough to be transported to a local hospital. During her time in the hospital, Charon was able to answer a few questions posed by detectives, but she had no memory of the assault itself, likely due to the severe head trauma she sustained.
Charon passed away on March 16, 2025, nearly three months after the attack. Following her death, the charges against Gueits were updated from aggravated assault to felony murder, as his actions directly led to the victim’s death. The case has garnered widespread attention due to the senselessness of the crime and the brutality with which it was carried out.
Gueits’ Criminal History and Motive
Antonio Gueits’ criminal history includes prior convictions for aggravated assault with a weapon, battery, and theft, which indicates a pattern of violent behavior. His violent tendencies have led many to question whether the justice system did enough to intervene earlier, as Gueits had been involved in criminal activities before the fatal assault on Charon.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though Gueits’ own statements suggest that the violence may have been an outlet for anger or frustration, rather than a personal vendetta against the victim. The chilling nature of his confession, combined with his prior criminal behavior, paints a disturbing picture of his character and raises concerns about his capacity for violence.
Community Reactions and Concerns
The brutal assault and subsequent death of Cerida Charon have left the local community in shock. Many have expressed their outrage over the senselessness of the attack and the vulnerability of the elderly woman. For Charon’s family and loved ones, the loss is incomprehensible, as she was an innocent victim in a crime that could have been avoided.
Charon’s family has publicly mourned her passing, recalling her as a kind, caring individual who was dedicated to her community. The attack has not only affected her immediate family but also the wider community, which is grappling with the reality that such an unprovoked act of violence could happen in a seemingly safe public space.
Legal and Judicial Proceedings: The Path Ahead
Antonio Gueits faces serious charges in connection with the death of Cerida Charon. His criminal record and the brutal nature of the crime will likely lead to significant legal proceedings in the coming months. Gueits is scheduled for a court hearing on March 27, 2025, where the prosecution will present its case, and Gueits will face the full extent of the charges against him.
Prosecutors have described Gueits’ actions as premeditated, noting the cold and methodical nature of the attack. Legal experts anticipate that Gueits will face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted, with the possibility of life in prison given the severity of the crime.
A Call for Justice: Impact on the Community and Beyond
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the random acts of violence that can occur in society, often with little warning or explanation. The brutality of the attack on Cerida Charon has prompted calls for greater attention to be paid to issues of mental health, violence prevention, and criminal rehabilitation.
In the wake of Charon’s death, local advocacy groups have begun pushing for increased support for elderly individuals, particularly those who live in public spaces or rely on public transportation, where they are often more vulnerable to attack. Additionally, there are growing calls for stricter measures to prevent violent offenders like Gueits from committing further crimes.
The case has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of addressing mental health issues in the criminal justice system and providing adequate support for individuals struggling with anger management and emotional regulation. As more details emerge, the hope is that the criminal justice system will take appropriate steps to ensure that those who pose a risk to others are held accountable and prevented from causing further harm.