DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (TCD) — Deputies recently arrested a 34-year-old woman and her 33-year-old ex-boyfriend on suspicion of conspiring to rob and beat an elderly man last month.
According to a news release from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, on Thursday, Feb. 22, shortly before 5 a.m., a 73-year-old man was taken to the emergency room with several injuries on his body, which prompted hospital staff to contact law enforcement. He reportedly told responding deputies he had been struck with a metal object numerous times and that his wallet had been stolen in the Plantation Pines neighborhood.
Investigators later learned the victim allegedly met with Chelsea Wright at a bar to “talk about their romantic relationship.” While they were together, Wright reportedly asked the man to come to her house. He agreed and followed her in his car.
During the drive, the sheriff’s office said Wright pulled over and picked up her ex-boyfriend, Andrew Marks, who was standing on the side of the road. Later, Wright reportedly stopped her vehicle and dropped off Marks near a home. According to the sheriff’s office, the victim then exited his vehicle, went up to Wright’s car, and Marks allegedly reappeared and struck the elderly man in the head with a metal object. Marks reportedly continued to beat him “when he fell to the ground in the fetal position.”
Investigators allege Marks robbed the victim of his wallet and fled the scene with Wright as the victim lay injured and bleeding. The victim sustained injuries to his head, torso, and arms. The sheriff’s office said the man also required stapling due to severe lacerations to his head, and his eye was swollen shut.
Detectives soon began surveilling Wright. Deputies performed a traffic stop on her for an infraction and found narcotics in her possession. Officials initially took her into custody on drug charges and probation violations.
During interviews, Wright reportedly lied to investigators and falsely claimed she picked up an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s who attacked the victim. However, the sheriff’s office said they obtained text message evidence showing Wright and Marks plotted the attack and robbery together.
Officials located Marks in Holly Hill on Friday, March 1, and arrested him on charges of robbery with a weapon and aggravated battery of a victim over the age of 65. In addition to the drug and probation violation charges, Wright also faces counts of robbery with a weapon and aggravated battery of a victim over 65. The suspects remain held in the Volusia County Jail.
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