Florida Man Awaiting Trial for Armed Sexual Battery Now Charged With Plotting to Kill His Victim

A Florida man awaiting trial on an armed sexual battery charge has now been accused of plotting to murder his victim from jail.

Carlos Alberto Mendez fled Florida after the rape but was captured in Texas and extradited back to Miami-Dade County, WPLG reported.

In August, however, he began plotting with another inmate to kill his 44-year-old victim to avoid a potential life sentence. The inmate became a key witness in the case, and told investigators Mendez had asked if he knew someone would could kill the victim.

Mendez reportedly provided detailed information about the victim’s routines, including her address, where she parked her car, and suggestions of how to approach her without drawing attention.

The witness said Mendez at first suggested strangling the victim with a jacket she kept on the passenger seat of her car, but later agreed that a handgun would be best. He told the witness he could arrange for a family member to provide funds to buy the gun.

Police found maps they said were drawn by Mendez showing the victim’s home, parking area, and approaches to both spots.

In addition to armed sexual battery, Mendez has now been charged with solicitation to commit murder. He remains in jail without bond.