CASSELBERRY, Fla. — Jennifer Smedley and Jose Antonio Torres appeared before a judge Tuesday on charges of being involved in the death of 58-year-old James Watrous.
Investigators said the victim was tied up, driven around and eventually strangled to death. His body was found behind the Old Time Pottery Store near State Roads 436 and 1792.
Officials said Torres told them he thought Watrous was sleeping with his girlfriend and admitted he strangled the victim with shoelaces because "he wouldn't shut up" and dumped his body in the woods.
Torres said he followed Smedley from her hotel room to the Denny's on Lee Road where she got into Watrous' truck. He said he attacked the victim and tied him up with a seat belt, officials said.
Watrous’ daughter filed a missing person report Saturday when he missed several appointments for his glass-cleaning business and she was unable to contact him beginning May 3, officials said.
Watrous’ daughter identified Smedley, 44, as her father’s girlfriend.
The daughter told police that it was likely that Watrous was with Smedley.
When investigators checked Watrous’ apartment, they found all his clothing gone.
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Smedley’s husband reported her missing during the same time period that Watrous was said to be missing, officials said.
Torres and Smedley were pulled over Monday in Watrous’ truck and were arrested on unrelated charges, Orange County deputies said.
During questioning, Torres admitted to killing Watrous and dumping his body in the woods off State Road 436 in Casselberry, investigators said.
Torres was accused of having sex with a 14-year-old girl in 2009. The victim's father attacked him and he fled naked on a bike, according to officials. Police caught up with him and he pleaded no contest to child abuse charges and served a year in prison.
Torres is charged with first-degree murder with a weapon and Smedley is charged with being a principle to first-degree murder.
Both are being held without bond at the Orange County Jail.