2 people arrested after Florida man suffers ‘violent death’ after being beaten with cinder blocks – NBC 6 South Florida

Two men were arrested after the body of a missing man was discovered at a homeless camp near a Walmart Supercenter in Florida over the weekend, officials said.

Chief Deputy John Budensiek of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation began Friday when family members contacted their department about a missing person.

Officials said 27-year-old Otoniel Miqueas Ordonez Duenas “was a drinker” and “liked to party” and was reported missing after he failed to return home after a night out Thursday.

On Sunday, family members contacted the sheriff’s office and said they had found Duenas’ backpack and bicycle at the homeless camp.

When officers arrived at the 4001 Southeast Federal Highway location, they found Duenas’ body, which officers said was a result of a “violent death.”

In a news conference Monday, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of 24-year-old Codie Rodney Cartwright and 21-year-old Alexander Jeremiah Davis Jr. in connection with Duenas’ death. Both men were homeless.

According to Budensiek, Cartwright told investigators he killed Duenas because “the victim made unwanted sexual gestures or suggestions toward him.”

“At this point, (Cartwright) flew into a temper tantrum and used a cinder block to beat our victim to death,” Budensiek said.

Duenas suffered multiple head wounds, including a broken neck and leg.

According to WPTV, which first reported the story, the affidavit said that after the beating, Cartwright said, “I think I killed him.”

Officials said Cartwright then asked Davis to help him move the body further into some trees. The two disposed of the body by wrapping it in a tarp and taking it to the location behind the Walmart.

Cartwright is charged with second-degree murder and Davis is charged with accessory after the fact. Both men are being held without bail in the Martin County Jail.