ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A 76-year-old woman was found dead in a hotel room here last week, and police say her alleged killer left her body hidden under a mattress for housekeeping staff to discover.
Emma Jean Mullins was pronounced dead at the scene after hotel employees found her body on June 25 at the Holiday Inn Express, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Background
Authorities responded to the hotel that day after staff reported discovering Mullins' body. According to a criminal complaint reviewed by Law&Crime, surveillance video showed Mullins entering the hotel with Paul Stottler the previous evening around 10:45 p.m. The footage later captured Stottler leaving alone approximately six hours later, around 4:30 a.m.
When deputies arrived, they found Mullins wrapped in sheets, covered in clothing, and concealed beneath one of the bed's mattresses, according to police.
"It appeared she had been there for several hours before being discovered," the Sheriff's Office stated in a press release.
The Investigation
Investigators say evidence inside the room indicated a violent struggle had occurred. Police documented overturned furniture, bloodstains, and broken glass throughout the space.
According to the complaint, Mullins suffered blunt force trauma to her face and body.
"The scene told a story of violence," said one investigator familiar with the case. "This was not a quiet or quick death."
Authorities say Stottler did not leave empty-handed when he departed that morning. Surveillance cameras captured him carrying several bags out of the hotel and discarding them in a dumpster located in the parking lot.
Police recovered the discarded items, which included three documents bearing Mullins' name concealed inside an ice bucket, along with men's clothing and bloodied bedding.
"He attempted to remove any trace of his presence," according to the press release.
Stottler, 39, was arrested Friday and charged with second-degree murder. After being taken into custody, he reportedly admitted to disposing of evidence when he left the hotel.
The relationship between Stottler and Mullins remains unclear. Police have not released information explaining how the two may have known each other.
"Detectives are still working to establish the full context of this interaction," the Sheriff's Office stated.
Key Takeaways
- Emma Jean Mullins, 76, was found dead on June 25 at the Holiday Inn Express in St. Petersburg, Florida
- Paul Stottler, 39, has been charged with second-degree murder
- Surveillance footage showed Mullins entering with Stottler and him leaving alone hours later
- Police say evidence indicated a struggle; Mullins suffered blunt force trauma
- Stottler allegedly discarded bags containing documents, clothing, and bloodied bedding in a hotel dumpster
- He reportedly admitted to dumping evidence after his arrest
- The nature of the relationship between victim and suspect has not been disclosed
What's Next
Stottler is being held without bond at the Pinellas County Jail. He was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, though exact proceedings have not yet been detailed by prosecutors.
Investigators say they continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The State Attorney's Office for the Sixth Judicial Circuit will handle the prosecution.
Anyone with additional information about this case is encouraged to contact the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
"We are committed to ensuring justice for Ms. Mullins and her family," authorities stated.