OCALA, Fla. — An Ocala man was arrested and charged with first degree, premeditated murder after deputies discovered the body of a woman in the trunk of a car according to police.
36-year-old Eric Todd Gay was taken into custody on Sunday after witnesses told deputies that Gay was the last person seen driving the vehicle the victim was found in.
Witnesses told police that Gay had spent the night at the victim’s house and then drove her car to his home the next morning. They stated they later went to his home to retrieve the vehicle and return it to the victim’s home at which time the witnesses found the victim’s body in the trunk of her own vehicle.
According to a press release, Gay told police that he had been staying the night and when the victim fell asleep, he went into her room to steal cash and prescription medication. While in the room, the victim woke up and Gay began to choke her until she was unconscious.
When the victim regained consciousness, Gay struck her with a flashlight and used a telephone cord to choke her again until she was deceased.
Gay then allegedly put her body in the trunk of the car and took several other items from the home that could be used as evidence.
Deputies stated since Gay attempted to conceal the crime and used a premeditated plan to kill the victim, he was charged with first-degree premeditated murder.
Gay was transported to the Marion County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.
The victim’s name has not yet been released as deputies attempt to notify her next of kin.
Comments are closed.