The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: April 17, 2025
Today: April 17, 2025

Man accused of killing ex after blood trail, pipe and box cutter found at murder scene

Man accused of killing ex after blood trail, pipe and box cutter found at murder scene
April 10, 2025
Madison Zaleski - WBBH

    ARCADIA, Florida (WBBH) -- A gruesome discovery happened at an Arcadia home when officers discovered a woman dead inside.

Police found a mother beaten and in a pool of blood when they broke down her locked bedroom door. The victim feared for her life, wanting her ex-boyfriend to move out the day before.

"It was a very gruesome scene. In my 20-year career being here, it's probably the worst I've ever seen," said Lt. Troy Carrillo with the Arcadia Police Department.

Arcadia police came to North Arcadia Avenue Saturday to check on Emla Hendricks.

They found the victimโ€™s daughter and a man sitting on the couch. In a locked bedroom, officers found Hendrick's body lying in a pool of blood with a cloth over her face and a piece of dented pipe metal next to her.

Police think her ex-boyfriend Hugh Powell beat her in the head with that pipe and might have slashed her throat. They found an open box cutter knife with blood on the blade, a broken knife handle and a screwdriver.

"You can tell there was a lot of rage just based off the scene," said Carrillo.

"It sounds pretty scary because knowing that there's, like, someone out there that can commit, like, these crimes, especially in a town like Arcadia where nothing really happens," said neighbor Daniela Arellano.

Police say Powell had blood on his shoe along with blood stains leading to his room.

"The officers on scene, they described him as being very calm. Once I got there, his demeanor had not changed," said Carrillo.

Powell is charged with premeditated murder. Police interviewed Hendrick's daughter, and she told them she didn't know her mom was dead inside.

"It's also very, like, assuring to know that the police are doing their job and doing, you know, everything they can to, you know, get this person off the streets and just keeping the town very like safe," said Arellano.

The day before the murder, Emla went to the Desoto County Sheriffโ€™s Office to turn in paperwork for Hughโ€™s eviction. She previously filed papers in March to kick him out. She told them she feared being around him and was going to get a motel room.

Related Articles

Man found dead with woman's decomposed body in Queens home, sources say South Carolina mother accused of killing infant after delivering him in apartment, chief says Remains of missing 72-year-old woman found, Titusville police say Missing man found dead in storage container
Share This

Popular

Americas|Crime|US

More than 330 pounds of cocaine seized near Ambassador Bridge

More than 330 pounds of cocaine seized near Ambassador Bridge
Asia|Crime|Environment|World

Four dead after dredging vessel capsizes off Philippines, says coast guard

Four dead after dredging vessel capsizes off Philippines, says coast guard
Africa|Asia|Crime|Sports|World

28-year-old former MLS player dies after falling from 11th floor balcony in China

28-year-old former MLS player dies after falling from 11th floor balcony in China
Americas|Asia|Crime|World

US YouTuber remains in custody in India after visiting restricted island with a Diet Coke can

US YouTuber remains in custody in India after visiting restricted island with a Diet Coke can

Crime

Crime|Health|MidEast|Political|World

Portrait of Palestinian boy who lost both arms is World Press Photo of the year for 2025

Portrait of Palestinian boy who lost both arms is World Press Photo of the year for 2025
Crime|Technology|US

10-year-old girl kidnapped by man she met on Roblox, police say

10-year-old girl kidnapped by man she met on Roblox, police say
Americas|Crime|Political|US|World

Maryland Sen. Van Hollen meets with El Salvador's vice president in push for Abrego Garcia's release

Maryland Sen. Van Hollen meets with El Salvador's vice president in push for Abrego Garcia's release
Crime|Europe|Political

'Drug-dealing scum' most likely behind French prison attacks, minister says

'Drug-dealing scum' most likely behind French prison attacks, minister says

Access this article for free.

Already have an account? Sign In