A 24-year-old Citra man is facing a second degree murder charge after he was arrested in connection with the homicide of 48-year-old Marvin Lee Pate.
On Sunday, August 28, at approximately 7:40 a.m., MCSO deputies responded to a residence on NE 134th Place in Citra in reference to an assault. When they arrived at the home, the deputies located Pate’s body inside a bedroom, and he was pronounced deceased.
According to the MCSO report, a large amount of blood and broken furniture was observed inside the bedroom, indicating a “clear sign of a struggle.” The victim’s body had numerous puncture and laceration wounds to his face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and back.
The MCSO Major Crimes unit conducted an investigation which revealed that Jose Ismael Florencio had gotten into a verbal argument with the victim that later became physical.
Florencio was detained and transported to MCSO Operations for an interview with a detective. After being read his Miranda rights, Florencio told the detective that he had shared a room with the victim for approximately one year.
Florencio stated that a verbal argument began with the victim between the hours of 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Sunday morning. During the argument, he stated that he struck the victim in the face with his bare hand.
Florencio advised that he grabbed a knife “early” in the physical altercation, and he admitted to stabbing the victim in the back, which caused the knife to break.
Florencio stated that the victim began to use furniture to keep him away, but he continued to charge at the victim. He told the detective that he struck the victim in the head with a “brown metal stick” several times before leaving the residence.
After the incident, Florencio stated that he took a shower and then walked around outside for hours. He told the detective that he then saw a woman outside, and he asked to use her phone to call 911.
During the 911 call, Florencio told the operator that he was involved in a physical altercation with the victim, and he acknowledged that the victim was possibly dead.
Florencio was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held without bond. He is facing a felony charge for second degree murder.
A court date has been scheduled on Wednesday, September 28 at 9 a.m., according to jail records.