TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A man accused in the brutal attack of an 81-year-old man who was found in his backyard with skull fractures now faces a murder charge after the victim died from his injuries.
Detectives say Carlos Alberto Cordero, 47, attacked Alfred W. Watton over a dispute about how much money Watton owed him for lawn care services. Police say Cordero took Watton’s wallet and left the scene.
Watton was found in his backyard at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17. Police think the attack occurred on the same day between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
The victim’s vehicle, a 2014 Red Kia Sedona, was missing and then later found. Police say Cordero denied taking it.
Cordero was originally charged with aggravated battery on a person over 65 years of age and robbery. The battery charge was upgraded to first degree murder after Watton died.
