MIAMI BEACH, FL – A man is charged with murder after his mother flew to Florida to check on him, only to be killed and found in a dumpster. Anthony Caruso, 40, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 67-year-old Elizabeth Caruso. He is currently being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when Elizabeth Caruso arrived from New Jersey. Surveillance footage shows her speaking to a hotel clerk across from her son’s residence before she was found dead hours later. An arrest affidavit indicated her neck was “severely injured nearly to the point of decapitation.”
Hours after Elizabeth Caruso’s arrival, law enforcement was contacted after concerns from her son-in-law. He reported he had not heard from her for over six hours. When police arrived at the building, they discovered blood smears leading from the apartment to an open trash chute.
Authorities found Elizabeth Caruso’s body in the dumpster during their investigation. The medical examiner noted her severe neck injuries along with fractures to her arms, hands, face, and head.
When police attempted to engage Anthony Caruso at his apartment, he did not respond. A SWAT team was deployed to the scene. After unsuccessful attempts to get him to surrender, a K9 apprehended him. He sustained injuries to his right arm during this process and was treated before his arrest.
Christopher Bess from the Miami Beach Police Department stated they believed the suspect might be suffering from a mental illness. The motive for the killing remains unclear at this time.
Anthony Caruso was reportedly on probation for previous charges, including aggravated assault and battery. He is expected to appear in court on November 20.
The shocking death has raised serious questions about the tragic events leading to Elizabeth Caruso’s demise.