Man Charged in Fatal Shooting of Bradenton Woman
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred early Friday morning after a woman was found dead inside a Bradenton home.
Deputies responded to the residence around 2:30 a.m. after being contacted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office regarding a possible shooting. The Hillsborough agency had received information from a man in Wimauma who reported that his acquaintance, identified as 28-year-old Cesar Cortez, had asked for a ride to his ex-girlfriend’s home in Bradenton.
According to investigators, the witness remained outside while Cortez went into the home. He reported hearing multiple gunshots and then seeing Cortez flee the scene before both men returned to Wimauma. About an hour later, the witness contacted authorities to report the incident.
When Manatee deputies arrived at the Bradenton residence, they discovered the body of 36-year-old Crystal Pena. Cortez was later taken into custody and charged with murder.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence related to the case.