Man Arrested for Beating Woman and Child to Death in Dover

Hillsborough deputies have apprehended a man accused of a heinous crime that shocked the community of Dover. Angel Gabriel Cuz-Choc, 31, was arrested on Thursday following a manhunt that lasted through the night.

The tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon on the 3700 block of Sumner Road, where Cuz-Choc allegedly beat to death a woman and a young child. Sheriff Chad Chronister revealed that Cuz-Choc fled the scene after the brutal killings, prompting deputies to urge residents in the area to stay indoors and secure their homes.

After obtaining a warrant for Cuz-Choc’s arrest on two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon, authorities intensified their search efforts. Fortunately, their hard work paid off, and Cuz-Choc was captured the following day.

The timeline of events indicates that the killings occurred around 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday, with a neighbor hearing a woman’s scream but not alerting law enforcement. It wasn’t until a roommate discovered the victims around 5:30 p.m. and called 911 that authorities were notified.

Upon investigation, deputies found the woman’s body in the backyard and the young girl’s body inside the mobile home. It is believed that Cuz-Choc fled through strawberry fields and into the woods following the murders, prompting a thorough search involving helicopters and K-9 units.

Sheriff Chronister revealed that Cuz-Choc was romantically involved with the woman and is suspected to be the father of the young girl. The trio had relocated to the area from Guatemala approximately seven months ago, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation as authorities work to notify their next of kin.

The swift apprehension of Cuz-Choc brings a sense of relief to the community as they grapple with the tragic loss of two lives. The Sheriff’s Office’s dedication to justice and their use of technology and resources were instrumental in swiftly resolving this horrific case.