Man Arrested In Hotel Killing Of 76-Year-Old St. Pete Woman: Pinellas Sheriff

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Detectives have arrested a 38-year-old man on a second-degree murder charge after a 76-year-old woman was found dead in a St. Petersburg hotel room, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to the Holiday Inn Express at 4816 100th Way North on Friday, just after 11:30 a.m., after a hotel employee reported a person was dead in one of the rooms.

Investigators found the body of Emma Mullins, a St. Petersburg woman, on the floor of the room, the sheriff’s office said

She was wrapped in a blanket with sheets, towels and clothing on top of her in an attempt to hide her, investigators said.

Mullins was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin has been notified.

During the investigation, detectives learned there was an altercation between Mullins and Paul Stottler in the room.

There were blood stains, overturned furniture and broken glass throughout the room, and obvious signs of trauma to Mullins, the sheriff’s office said.

Surveillance video showed Mullins and Stottler entering the room, but only Stottler leaving hours later while carrying several bags.

He then disposed of the bags in a dumpster in the hotel parking lot, detectives said.

While searching the dumpster, deputies found three documents with Mullins’ name concealed in an ice bucket, as well as bedding and a pair of men’s pants stained with blood, according to the agency.

Stottler, who is transient, was taken into custody and charged with murder in the second degree. He was booked into the Pinellas County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

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