SANFORD, Fla. – The Sanford Police Department reported that a 49-year-old woman was discovered unconscious, with a large zip tie fastened around her neck, leading to her eventual death.
The incident involving Joysee Cartagena Clemente occurred on July 17 at a residence on Saltmarsh Loop. Upon finding her, the police promptly called Sanford Fire Rescue to provide medical assistance, but tragically, she succumbed to her injuries.
According to FOX 35 News, a spokesperson from Seminole County Public Schools confirmed that the deceased woman had been employed with the district from 2015 to 2022.
She served as a secretary at Spring Lake Elementary School in Altamonte Springs and as a clerk at Lawton Elementary School in Oviedo.
The victim’s son, Steven Rivera Cartagena, emotionally spoke to FOX 35 News about his mother, describing her as his “personal best friend.” He expressed the immense loss he felt, saying, “My mom was my world to me.
That’s all I knew, and that’s all I wanted to know. Losing her, it just kind of made me feel like I was an orphan in a way. I was like, ‘What do I do?'”
The authorities are treating the death as a homicide and have identified a person of interest, though they have not disclosed the individual’s name.
“I want justice for my mother, through and through,” Steven added, expressing his desire for closure.
Those with any relevant information are urged to contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
