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A woman in Volusia County, Florida, allegedly poured diet Mountain Dew on herself to erase possible evidence after being told the police would collect her DNA. The woman, Nichole Maks, is suspected of killing her 79-year-old roommate. Maks has been charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and resisting arrest with violence. DNA evidence was later found on a bloody knife near the victim’s body. Maks has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting a mental competence examination. She is currently held in Volusia County jail without bond. FOX 35 Orlando reported
Nichole Maks (Photo via Volusia County Jail)
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A woman from Volusia County in Florida, who is suspected of murdering her 79-year-old roommate, allegedly poured soda on herself in an attempt to eliminate potential evidence, according to an arrest affidavit.
When the police informed her that they would be collecting her DNA as part of the investigation, she poured diet Mountain Dew over her body, as stated by the authorities.
Her DNA was subsequently discovered on the handle of a blood-stained knife found next to the victim’s body in their shared home in Daytona Beach, according to the affidavit.
The suspect, Nichole Maks, 35, was arrested on August 5th and is currently held in Volusia County jail on charges of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and resisting arrest with violence.
In the early hours of July 1st, a Daytona Beach police officer was alerted about a fire at a residence on Clark Street. Upon arrival, firefighters extinguished the fire and discovered the deceased victim, who had suffered blunt force trauma to the back of his head and multiple stab wounds to his torso, as mentioned in the affidavit.
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The victim was identified as 79-year-old Michael Cerasoli, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Inside the residence, police discovered a bloody knife near the victim’s body in his bedroom. Blood was also found on the wall adjacent to Mak’s bedroom closet.
Maks was subsequently listed as a potential person of interest in the case. Later, at around 3:30 a.m., an officer found her at a Krystal’s restaurant in Holly Hill. She was barefoot and had blood on her leg. The report stated that a portion of her torn or cut-off shirt was also bloodstained.
Upon approaching her, Maks dropped a knife and a hammer that she was carrying, as per the report.
Authorities stated that she provided inconsistent statements during questioning. She initially denied knowing the victim and claimed to be homeless. She also denied carrying the knife and hammer, stating that she often carried such items.
When asked about the fire, she became “agitated,” refused to speak, and requested an attorney.
While being escorted to the patrol car, detectives informed Maks that they would be collecting her DNA. In response, she requested a drink, and the police provided her with a diet Mountain Dew soda.
According to the affidavit, Maks deliberately delayed drinking the soda. When a detective attempted to take the can from her, she poured it over her body and hair in an attempt to interfere with potential evidence. As officers tried to secure her in the vehicle, she began “pulling and kicking officers,” the affidavit stated.
On July 28th, the detective received the results of the DNA analysis conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) on the knife found next to the victim.
The report revealed that the victim’s DNA was present on the blade, while Maks’ DNA was found on the knife handle.
Maks recently entered a written plea of not guilty to all charges, according to court records.
On Sunday, Maks’ attorney requested a mental competence evaluation to determine her ability to stand trial.
She is currently held without bond in Volusia County jail.
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