SANFORD, Fla. – A 49-year-old woman was found dead with a zip tie around her neck at a Sanford home earlier this month, according to police.
Police said they were called to a home along Saltmarsh Loop shortly after 2 p.m. on July 17 after receiving calls about an unconscious woman.
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An incident report shows Joysee Cartagena, was declared dead by paramedics. Police said fire crews removed the zip tie while trying to render aid.
No information has yet been provided about the cause of death or what led to the zip tie being placed on Cartagena’s neck.
News 6 reached out to Seminole County Public Schools about Cartagena. A spokesperson said she was with the district from 2015 to 2022 and served as secretary at Spring Lake Elementary School and as a FTE clerk at Lawton Elementary School.
Officers said there is a possible person of interest in this case but did not provide a name or what they may know about the woman’s death. The person of interest has not been taken into custody as of Tuesday morning, officials said.
Cartagena’s 22-year-old son, Steven Rivera Cartagena, of Puerto Rico, is set to graduate from the University of Central Florida in December.
He said he wants justice for his mother and added that he doesn’t know anyone who would have done this to his mom.
Anyone with information on Cartagena’s death is urged to contact Sanford police or Crimeline at 800-423-8477. Calls made to Crimeline remain anonymous, and tips to Crimeline that lead to solving homicide cases are eligible for cash rewards of up to $5,000.
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