Tampa woman used machete to murder neighbor, police say

TAMPA (FOX 13) - A Tampa woman was arrested in the murder of her 74-year-old neighbor, police said.

Late Sunday, Tampa police received a request to check on the welfare of the victim, Eddie Quezada. When they arrived at the home in the 2300 block of East Liberty Street, they found him deceased. 

Police said 21-year-old Sarah Martinez, a neighbor, borrowed money in the past from Quezada and also asked him for help in getting a job. However, the motives remain unclear, even after police interviewed Martinez, they said. 

Tampa police detectives said she provided “inconsistent explanations” but did admit to striking Quezada. They said the murder weapon was a machete. 

Martinez faces several charges including murder, armed burglary and robbery with a deadly weapon. She was arrested Thursday evening.