A Best Buy delivery worker allegedly doused a woman with lighter fluid and beat her to death while on call to install a washer and dryer, police said.
Jorge Luis Depre Lachazo, 21, arrived at the woman’s Boca Raton home with a co-worker to install the washer and dryer Monday and was eventually left alone with the victim, Evelyn Udell, 75, to explain to her how to use her newly installed appliances.
Lachazo’s coworker, who went outside to return some phone calls, suddenly heard screams inside the residence, prompting him to run inside, where he discovered the 75-year-old woman covered in blood.
Lachazo allegedly took the delivery van and fled the scene, according to authorities. Police officers said they responded to the scene around 9:15 a.m. on Monday to find Udell unconscious with head injuries and severe burns to most of her body.
The woman died from her injuries Tuesday afternoon, police said.
Once officers apprehended Lachazo, he allegedly told them that he struck the woman with a mallet and set her ablaze. He reportedly also said he had used cocaine and marijuana earlier in the day.
Lachazo was then charged with first-degree murder, first-degree arson, and armed burglary with battery, WPTV reported. A judge denied him bond on Tuesday and ordered him not to have contact with the victim, her family, or the company for which he worked.
Best Buy said it was taking action following the attack, suspending an agreement with its subcontracted delivery company and hiring a third-party security firm to review its safety and screening protocols.
Best Buy’s Boca Raton store also announced it would remain closed on Tuesday out of respect for the victim and her family.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.