Man Faces Murder Charge In Sarasota Woman’s Death: Police

SARASOTA, FL — A Sarasota man faces a murder charge in connection with a suspicious death that happened Monday afternoon.

Elon Dula, 46, will be charged when he’s released from Sarasota Memorial Hospital, according to a Sarasota Police Department news release.

Officers responded to a welfare check at the Cabana Inn, 2525 S. Tamiami Trail, just before 5 p.m. Before they arrived, EMS found a 34-year-old woman, who suffered from head trauma, dead in the room, police said.

Dula was also found unconscious in the room after attempting suicide by taking drugs, according to SPD. EMS responders resuscitated him using Narcan and he was brought to SMH.

The room “was in disarray" when officers arrived, police noted. “A sink had been shattered and a struggle was apparent.”

The inn’s property manager told officers that Dula’s brother contacted her to say he was concerned and couldn’t get into the room. Using a spare key, she unlocked the door and called 911 after finding the scene, police said.

Dula’s mother told officers that she spoke with him around noon on Monday, and he said that he “did not want to be here anymore.”

The victim was found lying on the living room floor and appeared to have died from a gunshot wound, police said. There were drugs, shell casings and ammunition found at the scene.

Police said they believe that “a violent encounter happened between the victim and Dula.” Officers believe Dula shot and killed the woman and then attempted suicide by taking drugs.

This case remains an active and ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.