A Daytona Beach woman, Nichole Maks, has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder after allegedly killing her roommate and attempting to hide evidence by pouring Mountain Dew soda on her body. The victim, 79-year-old Michael Cerasoli, was found with multiple stab wounds and blunt-force trauma. Detectives discovered a knife covered in blood near the victim’s body, with Maks’ DNA on the handle. Maks changed her story multiple times during questioning and remains in jail without bond. CNN reported
A woman from Daytona Beach, Florida has been accused of murdering her roommate and attempting to conceal evidence by dousing her body with Mountain Dew soda. Nichole Maks, aged 35, is facing charges of first-degree premeditated murder. The incident occurred on July 1 when authorities responded to a fire at a residence on Clark Street in Daytona Beach. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless body of Michael Cerasoli, a 79-year-old man, who had sustained multiple stab wounds to his torso and suffered blunt-force trauma to the back of his head.
During the investigation, detectives found a blood-stained knife near the victim’s body in his bedroom. Additionally, two cell phones were discovered within the same room, one belonging to the victim and the other to Maks. The landlord of the property confirmed that Maks was residing at the Clark Street residence with the victim.
The following morning, Maks was apprehended in Holly Hill, where she dropped a knife and a hammer upon police contact. She had blood stains on her leg. Throughout her interview with investigators, Maks provided inconsistent statements regarding Cerasoli’s death. Initially claiming to be homeless, she eventually admitted to living with the victim. Maks further stated that she rarely ventured upstairs, except to tend to her pet spiders in the victim’s bedroom.
When asked about the knife and hammer, Maks became agitated and refused to cooperate without legal representation. Subsequently, when informed that officers would collect her DNA, she requested a drink and was given a Diet Mountain Dew. In an attempt to tamper with potential evidence on her body, Maks poured the soda over herself, including her hair.
Forensic analysis revealed that the victim’s DNA was present on the knife blade found near his body, while Maks’ DNA was discovered on the knife handle. As a result, Maks is currently detained without the option of posting bail.
(Note: Given that there is no specific information about the year in the provided text, I have assumed that the incident took place in the present year.).
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