Police: Florida man used ax to kill mother

Oldsmar, Florida – A man is in police custody after a woman was found dead outside her Florida home on New Year's Eve.

Deputies were called to a home around 7:24 p.m. Wednesday by the suspect's brother, 27-year-old Mario Gomez. Neighbors said they heard gunshots, but initially thought the sounds were fireworks.

Gomez told dispatchers that his 48-year-old mother, Maria Suarez-Cassagne, was killed by his brother and he had cut her head off. Deputies arrived on scene and met Gomez in front of the residence then made sure no one else was inside. They located Maria's body outside of the residence near the garbage cans. Gomez advised deputies that the suspect had left the residence. Deputies immediately set up a perimeter in the area to look for him.

Another caller phoned 911 with information on a suspicious person riding a bicycle in the area. Deputies observed the subject riding a bike at approximately 7:57 PM. They attempted to stop him.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office identified the suspect as 23-year-old Christian Gomez. He did not stop; a brief foot chase ensued and Christian was taken into custody.

During interviews with the detectives Christian admitted to the murder. The murder weapon, an ax, has been recovered.

Christian has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and is currently in the Pinellas County Jail.