Seminole County woman dead as result of domestic violence, deputies say

Seminole County Sheriff's investigators say a murder at an apartment was deadly domestic violence.

Investigators say they believe a woman was killed by her boyfriend overnight Thursday inside the Mystic Cove Apartments in Oviedo, while their two children were in another room.

A concerned relative who wasn't in the residence made a call to 911. That relative was there when deputies arrived and found the 28-year-old victim dead in a bedroom of her apartment.

On Friday, Seminole County Sheriff's deputies said they had no significant history with either Karla Barreto Pagan or her boyfriend, Jorge Nieves, until they were called to the couple's apartment.

Inside the apartment they found Barreto Pagan dead in a bedroom and  Nieves severely injured.  Investigators wouldn’t say if he was responsible for his injuries.

“He was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was treated, and is currently in our custody, charged with second-degree murder,” said Cpt. Dan Purcell of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Department.

Two children, ages 3 and 11, were in the apartment when the couple argued, investigators said. But investigators don't believe they witnessed the violence.

“They are now in the safe custody of family members,” said Purcell.

Deputies wouldn't elaborate on how the children's mother was killed.

Neighbors told WFTV that Nieves had lacerations to his neck, but deputies would not confirm that information.

Investigators searched the crime scene for hours. 

Early on they attempted to ease residents’ concerns, saying everyone involved in the incident  was accounted for.

 “Everybody wants to be protected pretty much,” said resident Peter Stellato.

The suspect is expected to make a full recovery.  And, deputies said, as soon as they are able, they will transport Nieves from the hospital to the Seminole County jail.

This is the first homicide of the year for Seminole County Sheriff's investigators.

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