SARASOTA, FL  –  December 13, 2022  –  3:20 p.m.

Elon Dula, 46, of Sarasota, will face charges of Murder when he is released from Sarasota Memorial Hospital.  This is in connection to the suspicious death that happened on Monday, December 12, 2022, just before 5 p.m.

Officers responded to the Cabana Inn, 2525 South Tamiami Trail, Unit #132, Sarasota, for a welfare check.  Prior to their arrival, EMS was on scene and found a woman, 34 years old, deceased.  EMS indicated that the victim suffered head trauma.  Dula was unconscious and was resuscitated by EMS with Narcan.  He was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital after attempting suicide by ingesting narcotics.  Unit #132 was in disarray, a sink had been shattered, and a struggle was apparent. 

The location's property manager told officers that Dula's brother had contacted her.  The brother said he was concerned about Dula and could not get an answer at his front door.  The property manager got a spare key to the unit, unlocked the door, and called 911 after she found the scene.  Dula’s mother told officers she spoke with him around Noon on Monday, and he said to her he “did not want to be here anymore.”  The statement concerned Dula’s mother; she and Dula’s brother responded to the location to check on Dula.

Officers executed a search warrant for Unit #132 on Monday evening.  The victim was found lying on the living room floor.  It appeared she died from a gunshot wound.  There were narcotics, shell casings, and ammunition found at the scene.

Officers believe a violent encounter happened between the victim and Dula. Officers believe Dula shot and killed the victim and then attempted suicide by ingesting narcotics.  This case remains an active and ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information on this investigation 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

PREVIOUS RELEASE – Monday, December 12, 2022 – 10:27 p.m.

The Sarasota Police Department is currently investigating a suspicious death that happened just before 5pm on Monday, December 12, 2022.

Officers responded to the 2500 block of South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, for a welfare check.  When officers arrived, they found an adult woman deceased.  An adult man was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with injuries.

Officers believe this is an isolated incident, everyone involved is accounted for and the public is not in danger.  Anyone with any information is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070.

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Elon Dula, 46, of Sarasota, will face charges of Murder when he is released from Sarasota Memorial Hospital.  This is in connection to the suspicious death that happened on Monday, December 12, 2022, just before 5 p.m.