Blake Howard, a 29-year-old man from Altamonte Springs, FL, was tragically found dead on February 23, 2016. The circumstances surrounding his death were both shocking and heartbreaking. Blake Howard, who was identified as a white male, was discovered in the shower of his home on Post Oak Circle. The investigation revealed that he had been shot multiple times while in the shower, a detail that underscored the violent nature of his death.
The primary suspect in this case was Blake Howard's
mother, Virginia Arteaga, who was 59 years old at the time. Arteaga was arrested and charged with first-degree premeditated murder. According to the police, a family member had called for a well-being check on Blake Howard after becoming concerned for his safety. When officers arrived at the home, Arteaga initially refused to answer the door, prompting the officers to force entry. Inside, they found Blake Howard's lifeless body and Arteaga was taken into custody.
The case quickly moved forward with the Seminole County Grand Jury indicting Virginia Arteaga on charges of first-degree premeditated murder. The indictment was based on the evidence presented by the Assistant State Attorney, which included testimony from an Altamonte Springs Police Detective. The investigation revealed that Arteaga had shot her son while he was in the bathtub, a detail that highlighted the premeditated nature of the crime.
Virginia Arteaga was held in the Seminole County jail without bond following her arrest. The motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear, and police did not disclose any prior history of domestic disturbances at the home. The tragic incident left the community in shock, with neighbors and family members expressing their disbelief and sorrow over the loss of Blake Howard. The case against Virginia Arteaga proceeded through the legal system, with the charges reflecting the severity of the crime and the impact it had on those who knew Blake Howard.
