Miami, FL – A Florida woman has been charged with first-degree murder, grand theft, and fraudulent use of a credit card after allegedly murdering a man in a Miami-area Holiday Inn, hiding his body under the bed, and depleting his bank account of nearly $6,000. The horrifying incident was discovered in June 2024, when a hotel maintenance worker found the victim’s body while repairing a telephone line behind the hotel bed.
The Gruesome Discovery
According to a criminal complaint obtained by Law&Crime, Elizabeth Hernandez, 39, reportedly beat, bit, and slashed Jason Anderson, 36, to death. His naked body was allegedly stuffed underneath the bed where it remained undiscovered until June 20, when a hotel maintenance worker, responding to a call to repair a telephone line, found Anderson’s body. Upon inspecting the telephone line, the maintenance worker immediately contacted 911, prompting an investigation.
The Victim’s Final Hours
Anderson checked into the Holiday Inn Express near Miami International Airport on June 19 with an expected check-out on June 20. Hernandez was reportedly caught on hotel surveillance video checking into the hotel with Anderson, alongside Yoan Guzman-Zequeira, 41. However, by the morning of June 20, police allege that Hernandez had already murdered Anderson, stashed his body under the bed, and was using his debit card to withdraw money and make purchases.
Depleting the Victim’s Bank Account
Hernandez is said to have continued her criminal behavior after Anderson’s death, withdrawing money from his bank account until it was “depleted” to zero dollars. Surveillance footage shows Hernandez and Guzman-Zequeira leaving the hotel premises, carrying multiple bags, including a plastic bag containing what appeared to be bedding sheets and towels. Guzman-Zequeira was also allegedly seen wearing different clothing, potentially the victim’s clothes, further implicating both suspects in the crime.
Meeting with an Unwitting Witness
Hernandez and Guzman-Zequeira went to Casino Miami later that day, where they allegedly met a third individual. This man later told authorities he was “tired” and was looking for a place to rest. Guzman-Zequeira, accompanied by the witness, returned to the hotel. Upon entering the room, the witness immediately felt uneasy due to the state of the room, which was described as “completely dirty and in disarray.” The witness was reportedly told by Guzman-Zequeira to stop “touching things” in the room. Feeling uncomfortable, the witness left the premises.
Surveillance and Evidence
The witness’ statement aligns with evidence gathered from the hotel’s surveillance cameras. Police later discovered several blood drops along the hallway wall and near the bathroom door frame, supporting the claim that a violent struggle took place in the room. Investigators also found blunt force trauma, lacerations, and apparent bite marks on Anderson’s body, which, combined with hemorrhaging in his neck, confirmed that the victim’s cause of death was “homicidal violence.”
Hernandez’s Arrest
Following the discovery of Anderson’s body, Hernandez was taken into custody and is being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. She faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder, grand theft, and fraudulent use of a credit card. The police investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing to probe the involvement of Yoan Guzman-Zequeira, who has not been arrested or charged in connection with the crime.
The Role of Guzman-Zequeira and Unanswered Questions
Guzman-Zequeira’s role in the murder remains unclear, as he was seen leaving the hotel with Hernandez on June 20 and later at the casino. Despite his close involvement in the crime, no formal charges have been filed against him. Police are continuing to investigate his connection to Hernandez and whether he played a more direct role in Anderson’s death or assisted in concealing the crime.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
As Hernandez remains behind bars awaiting trial, the community is left in shock at the brutality of the crime. Police are working to gather more evidence, and it remains to be seen if Guzman-Zequeira will face any charges. Hernandez’s legal team has not yet issued a statement, but as the case progresses, further developments are expected.
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