Sarasota police arrested a 32-year-old local man early Sunday morning in connection with the fatal stabbing of an acquaintance inside an apartment complex.
Josue Zepeda-Urbina faces charges of murder and three counts of burglary of an occupied dwelling. He is currently being held at the Sarasota County Jail without bond.
Officers responded to the Applegate Apartments at 1500 North Lockwood Ridge Road at approximately 4 a.m. Sunday after receiving a report of an unresponsive woman. Sarasota County Fire Department personnel pronounced her dead at the scene shortly after 4:30 a.m. Authorities confirmed that next of kin has been notified, though officials have not publicly released the victim’s name.
Investigators determined that Zepeda-Urbina entered the residence without permission while multiple occupants were present inside. According to police, Zepeda-Urbina and the victim were known to one another. A witness acquainted with both individuals assisted detectives in identifying him as the primary suspect.
Approximately one hour after the initial call, officers located Zepeda-Urbina after an automated alert from a Flock license plate reader tracked his vehicle. Police conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Beneva Road and Fruitville Road at around 5 a.m. and took him into custody without incident.
The investigation remains active. The Sarasota Police Department urges anyone with information regarding the case to contact its Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070 or submit an anonymous tip through Sarasota Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS (8477).
Leave a Reply