Suspect arrested in 38-year-old cold case murder of downtown Orlando worker

On July 9, 2026, Willie J. Carpenter (left) was arrested in North Carolina for his alleged involvement in the 1988 murder of downtown Orlando worker Diane Matthews (right). Photos: Orlando Police Department

Suspect arrested in 38-year-old cold case murder of downtown Orlando worker

by Staff ReportJuly 9, 2026July 9, 2026

A 68-year-old man was arrested in North Carolina on Thursday for the 1988 cold case murder of a woman who was found brutally beaten inside her downtown Orlando workplace.