Second-Degree Murder Charges Filed In Fatal Beating: Sherif

BRADENTON, FL — A 40-year-old Bradenton man faces charges following the fatal beating of Timothy J. Pearson, 52, in February, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Edgardo Romero Jr., 40, has been charged with second-degree murder, deputies said.

Deputies responded to reports of an unconscious man, later identified as Pearson, at 3001 14th Street West in Bradenton Feb. 12 around 2:20 p.m. He went into cardiac arrest after they arrived and was brought to Manatee Memorial Hospital by ambulance.

While at the hospital, it was discovered that Pearson had significant internal injuries, including a brain bleed and fractured hip. He was later trauma alerted to Blake Medical Center.

Detectives learned that Pearson had recently been living at 931 33rd Ave. W. in Bradenton. They found Romero and another man at the address.

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While interviewing them, detectives learned that Romero had battered both Pearson and the other man “over the last several days,” MCSO said. The second man was also brought to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Romero was arrested and initially charged with aggravated battery, as well as a felony violation of probation, deputies said.

Pearson died from his injuries two days later on Feb. 14.

Investigators obtained video surveillance footage from a nearby business that showed Romero dragging Pearson by the feet to the location where he was found unconscious. Detectives also learned that Romero “abuse(d) Pearson and the other victim frequently, for no apparent reason,” MCSO said.

Romero was arrested Thursday. He remains in Manatee County Jail without bond.