Florida man bashes elderly woman with mallet, sets her aflame while delivering for Best Buy
A Florida delivery man was arrested in the death of an elderly woman Monday after he attacked her and set her on fire, authorities say.
The Boca Raton Police Department confirmed in a press release that Jorge Luis Dupre Lachazo, 21, has been charged with first-degree murder, arson and armed burglary.
He admitted to police that he bashed the victim on the side of the head with a wooden mallet before dousing her in a liquid chemical found in the garage, according to the affidavit, but he denied knowing what had ignited the fire.
The 75-year-old unidentified victim was transported to Delray Medical Center where she died of her injuries Tuesday.
Lachazo and another delivery man were installing appliances in the victim’s home when the attack occurred.
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The second delivery man told police that he had stepped outside to make a call when he heard screams coming from inside the home. He ran inside and found the victim on the floor near blood.
While the second driver was on the phone with 911, Lachazo took the delivery truck and fled.
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According to the affidavit, Lachazo was quickly intercepted by authorities responding to the incident. Police observed that the hairs on his legs were burnt and looked like they had ash on them.
Authorities also said Lachazo was sweaty and shaking, and that he later admitted to police that he had used cocaine and marijuana. Police haven’t identified a motive for the attack.
Lachazo worked for a small delivery company called JB Home Delivery, which was contracted by Best Buy. He had been with the company for almost two years.
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Best Buy CEO Corie Barry said in a statement to USA TODAY Wednesday that the company has suspended its relationship with JB Home Delivery and has temporarily the Boca Raton store out of respect for the victim’s family.
“For more than 20 years, millions of Americans have trusted us to come into their homes," Barry said in the statement. "I am fully aware of how precious that trust is and how vital it is that we do everything in our power to earn it."
Best Buy also said that they’ve hired an independent security firm to review the company’s existing programs and policies.
Follow Adrianna Rodriguez on Twitter: @AdriannUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida man on delivery for Best Buy attacks woman, sets her on fire
