UPDATE: The victim Alfred Watton died on August 31 due to his injuries. Charges against Carlos Cordero were upgraded to First Degree Murder today.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Tampa Police have arrested and charged a man for allegedly beating an 81-year-old man and leaving him hospitalized in critical condition.
Carlos Alberto Cordero, 47, has been charged with aggravated battery and robbery. He is facing an escalated battery charge for assaulting someone over the age of 65.
According to police, Cordero attacked Alfred W. Watton, 81, between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday at his home on N 20th St.
Detectives believe Cardero and Watton were disputing about how much money Watton owed Cardero for lawn care services.
Watton suffered skull fractures and was found in his backyard hours later by family. He is listed in critical condition and has bleeding on his brain, according to family.
Police believe Cardero took Watton's wallet and ran after the attack.
Watton's 2014 Red Kia Sedona is also missing, but Cardero denied taking the van. It has not been located.
Bond has been set at $15,000 for the aggravated battery charge and $7,500 for the robbery charge.
Police arrested Cardero at his home at the Meridian Point Apartments early Friday.
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