Pasco sheriff’s deputies say he knew the 81-year-old victim.

PASCO COUNTY – A 14-year-old Tampa teen has been charged with first degree murder in connection with the death of an 81-year-old Pasco man, according to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Alexander Matthew Perez, 14, of Tampa, a student at Anclote High School, was charged Friday (Dec. 9) with first degree murder, deputies said. Perez was at the Land O Lakes Detention Center where he had been since the Sept. 23 incident. Perez had been charged with home invasion robbery of Robert Walker, 81.

The decision to charge Perez with murder came after a finding by the Pasco County medical examiner that Mr. Walker’s death was a homicide caused by blunt force trauma.

Deputies said that, about 2:13 a.m. Sept. 23, Perez walked up to Mr. Walker, who was sitting on the front porch of his home at 3444 Devonshire Drive in Holiday, and hit him in the face multiple times. Deputies said Perez pushed Mr. Walker into his home through the front door and into the bedroom where he continued to batter him. Perez then stole Mr. Walker’s wallet and pants and fled on foot.

Mr. Walker was treated by fire paramedics on scene. He died later that day.

Deputies said it was not a random act because Perez knew Mr. Walker. Deputies said Perez has been charged as an adult.

For information about the Pasco sheriff, go to pascosheriff.com.

Pasco Sheriff | Teen Charged | Murder | Crime | Arrests | Holiday | TB Reporter

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