Paul Stottler, 39, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder after police found the body of 76-year-old Emma Jean Mullins in a St. Petersburg hotel room. Surveillance video showed the pair entering the Holiday Inn Express together before Stottler left alone.
Police responded to the Holiday Inn Express in St. Petersburg, Florida, on June 25 after staff discovered Mullins' body hidden under a mattress and covered with sheets and clothing. Evidence indicated a struggle, including overturned furniture, bloodstains, and broken glass. Mullins had suffered blunt force trauma to her face and body.
Surveillance footage captured Mullins entering the hotel with Stottler around 10:45 p.m. on June 24. Stottler was seen leaving alone around 4:30 a.m., carrying bags that he later discarded in a dumpster. Officers recovered documents bearing Mullins' name, along with men's clothing and bloodied bedding.
Stottler was charged on Friday and is being held without bond at the Pinellas County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. Police said he admitted to dumping evidence after his arrest.
