The boyfriend of a woman who was found dead with a zip-tie around her neck has been arrested by Sanford police after weeks of investigation.
Joel Bauza, 50, was arrested by Sanford Police Department officers with the Neighborhood Response Unit on Thursday, August 31, in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Joysee Cartagena.
Cartagena was found by law enforcement personnel on July 17, who reported to her home in the 3000 block of Saltmarsh Loop after a 911 caller reported finding a dead body.
Upon arrival, police found Cartagena inside her home with a large zip-tie around her neck. Authorities attempted life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful.
Cartagena was pronounced deceased at the home.
During their investigation, an autopsy conducted by the Lake County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Cartagena’s cause of death was “manual strangulation.” The manner of her death was ruled a “homicide” and authorities used evidence to determine that Cartagena’s live-in boyfriend, Bauza, was responsible for her death.
Bauza was located on August 31 and was arrested without incident. He is facing a charge of first-degree homicide.
According to Sanford Police Department Chief Cecil Smith, Bauza allegedly made “efforts during the initial investigation” to suggest the case was a “suicide.”
“It was clear that Joysee didn’t take her own life. She was a radiant woman who made a positive impact on so many lives in this community. We are saddened that Bauza’s actions took her from loved ones so prematurely. We hope he will now receive the justice he deserves,” said Smith.
Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact the Sanford Police Department at 407-688-5070, or the Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-8477.