Inset: Paul Stottler (Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The Holiday Inn Express in St. Petersburg, Fla., where Emma Jean Mullins was found dead on June 25 (Google Maps).
Authorities in Florida have detained a man following the shocking discovery of an elderly woman’s body in a hotel room.
Paul Stottler, aged 39, is currently being held at the Pinellas County Jail after facing charges of second-degree murder on Friday. The incident unfolded after police were called to the Holiday Inn Express in St. Petersburg, Florida, on June 25. Hotel staff discovered the lifeless body of 76-year-old Emma Jean Mullins in a guest room. Her remains were concealed under a mattress, wrapped in sheets and clothing.
Surveillance footage from the hotel revealed that Mullins entered the establishment with Stottler around 10:45 p.m. on the night before her body was found. Stottler was later observed leaving the property alone at approximately 4:30 a.m.
In a press release, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said evidence inside the hotel room where Mullins was found indicated that a struggle took place. Police said the furniture in the room was overturned and there were bloodstains and broken glass in various locations.
According to the complaint, Mullins suffered “blunt force trauma to her face and body.” She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said that when Stottler left the hotel alone, he did not leave empty-handed. According to the press release, Stottler was seen on surveillance cameras carrying several bags out of the hotel and then throwing them in a dumpster in the parking lot. Police searched the dumpster and found “three documents with Mullins’ name concealed in an ice bucket” along with men’s clothing and bloodied bedding.
After police arrested Stottler, he reportedly admitted to dumping evidence when he left the hotel.
Police did not provide information about the relationship between Stottler and Mullins.
Stottler is being held without bond at the Pinellas County Jail. He is due to appear in court on Tuesday.