Overview
- Deputies found Emma Mullins, 76, inside a Holiday Inn Express room in Seminole on Friday with her body wrapped and partially concealed and signs of a violent struggle present.
- Pinellas County detectives reviewed surveillance that showed Mullins and 38‑year‑old Paul Stottler entering the room together and Stottler leaving alone hours later carrying multiple bags.
- Investigators searched a hotel dumpster and recovered three documents bearing Mullins’ name along with blood‑stained bedding and a pair of men’s pants that police say tied the discarded bags to the scene.
- Police arrested Paul Stottler and booked him on a second‑degree murder charge, and the sheriff’s office says Mullins’ next of kin have been notified and the homicide probe remains active.
- Authorities have not released a motive or details about the relationship between Mullins and the suspect and further forensic work and investigative steps are ongoing.