Over the weekend, Miami Beach police detained Anthony Rosario Caruso, 40, following the grim discovery of his mother, Elizabeth Caruso, deceased inside a trash bin in Miami Beach. The unsettling event occurred at the Blackstone apartment complex, situated at the crossroads of Eighth Street and Washington Avenue in South Beach, Miami Beach. Concerned family members reported Elizabeth missing after not hearing from her for more than six hours, prompting a welfare check.
Elizabeth, originally from New Jersey, had recently traveled to South Florida to check on her son’s well-being. A trail of blood led to the disturbing find.
Blood Trail Leads to Grim Discovery
Officers arrived at the scene around 9:20 p.m. on Saturday and immediately noticed bloodstains on Anthony Caruso's apartment door and in the hallway leading to the trash room. Upon further inspection, authorities discovered "traces of blood on the walls and floor" of the garbage area. After forcing entry into the trash chute room, they found Elizabeth Caruso's lifeless body inside.
"There was a blood trail leading from the apartment to the trash chute, and then down into the waste container," explained Officer Christopher Bess, a police spokesperson, to local media. The trash bin was later removed from the scene by crane, covered with a yellow sheet, and evidence markers were placed on the adjacent sidewalk. Investigators collected various items, including clothing and a towel found hanging from a tree.
Eight-Hour Standoff and Arrest
Initial attempts by law enforcement to contact Caruso in his apartment went unanswered. Due to his lack of cooperation, SWAT teams and Hostage Negotiation Teams (HNT) were called in. For the next eight hours, Caruso remained barricaded inside. The building was evacuated as a precaution and surrounding streets were blocked off. Authorities ultimately gained entry into the apartment after securing a search warrant. Caruso resisted arrest, necessitating the use of a taser and a police dog to subdue him. He sustained an injury to his right arm during the arrest, requiring hospital treatment before being taken to the Miami Beach police station.
Unanswered Questions Surround Brutal Death
The forensic report revealed horrifying details of the murder. Elizabeth Caruso suffered severe neck injuries, nearly resulting in decapitation, along with multiple fractures in her arms, hands, face, and head. While the exact circumstances of the crime remain under investigation, detectives suspect Anthony Caruso may suffer from mental illness, a factor being considered in the ongoing inquiry. "She flew in from out of state to check on her son, whom we believe has a mental illness," the police spokesperson noted.
Currently, Caruso faces charges of second-degree murder with a weapon and is held in custody pending trial.
Key Questions About the Miami Beach Tragedy
What led to the discovery of Elizabeth Caruso's body?
The discovery was prompted by a blood trail found by police officers, which led from Anthony Caruso's apartment to the trash chute where Elizabeth Caruso's body was located.
What charges does Anthony Caruso face?
Anthony Caruso is facing charges of second-degree murder with a weapon and remains in custody awaiting trial.
What did the forensic report reveal about Elizabeth Caruso’s death?
The report indicated she had severe neck injuries, nearly leading to decapitation, as well as multiple fractures on her arms, hands, face, and head.