Teen Arrested In Death Of 99-Year-Old Woman
17-Year-Old To Be Charged With 1st-Degree Murder
POSTED: Thursday, October 11, 2007
UPDATED: 12:16 am EDT October 12,
2007
POINCIANA, Fla. -- A teenager was arrested in Osceola County and charged in connection to the death of a 99-year-old woman who was found dead inside a Poinciana home on Tuesday by her daughter.
Moise O. Opont, 17, was arrested at his Poinciana home late Wednesday on an active felony warrant for occupied burglary and battery on a person over 65. Deputies said that Opont will later be charged with first-degree felony murder and sexual battery.
Detectives said they believe Edith Mecalla, who was a mother of 11 and a grandmother of 50, was targeted by Opont. An investigation into the death is ongoing.
"We expect people to die," the victim's granddaughter, Michelle Smith, said on Wednesday. "It is a part of life. But to go in this violent manner at this stage in your life, that is the part that hurts the most. She is 99 years old. You could see she is old and lying there. Why would you do this?"
Police did not give a cause of death in the case.
Neighbors said they are afraid for their lives after the crime.
"You just don't feel safe out here," neighbor Karen Montefusco said. "I don't know anybody who feels safe out here."
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