Man faces murder charges in death of Sarasota woman

Published 4:22 p.m. Dec. 13 

A 46-year-old Sarasota man will face murder charges upon his release from Sarasota Memorial Hospital in connection with a suspicious death reported on Monday. 

Police said a 34-year-old woman was found dead in Unit 132 of the Cabana Inn, 2525 South Tamiami Trail following a welfare check call around 5 p.m. at that address. Dula was found unconscious after ingesting narcotics and was resuscitated and taken to SMH, where he remains. 

Police said the room was in disarray, indicating a struggle had taken place.

Police gave this account of events leaving up to the discovery of the dead woman: "The location's property manager told officers that Dula's brother had contacted her. The brother said he was concerned about Dula and could not get an answer at his front door. The property manager got a spare key to the unit, unlocked the door, and called 911 after she found the scene. Dula’s mother told officers she spoke with him around noon on Monday, and he said to her he “did not want to be here anymore.” The statement concerned Dula’s mother; she and Dula’s brother responded to the location to check on Dula.

With a search warrant, police later investigated the scene and theorized the woman had been shot, and Dula attempted to take his own life. Narcotis, shell casings and live ammunition were found at the scene. 

Published 7:17 a.m. Dec. 13 

The Sarasota Police Department is investigating a suspicious death that occurred just before 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12.

Officers responded to the 2500 block of South Tamiami Trail for a welfare check, where they found the body of adult woman. A man at the address was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with injuries.

Police believe this is an isolated incident with everyone involved accounted for and no danger to the public.

Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070.