Aileen Seiden was traveling with Christina Araujo and Zachary Abell when the group stopped at a motel in Eastpoint, Florida, in April 2018. Reporting later documented violence and control within their relationship before the trip.
Seiden was killed during the motel stay, and her body was left along a dirt road near U.S. Highway 98. Franklin County authorities found her on April 23 and identified her publicly after notifying her family. Investigators traced the group's movements to the motel and arrested Araujo and Abell in South Florida. Both were initially charged with second-degree murder and evidence tampering.
In May 2023, Araujo pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. She testified at Abell's trial, acknowledging her participation while describing Abell as the principal attacker. Her account was evidence for the jury to assess, not a substitute for its verdict.
On January 26, 2024, a Franklin County jury found Abell guilty of second-degree murder and evidence tampering. The jury did not return a first-degree-murder verdict. The court sentenced Abell to life in prison in April 2024.
Araujo received a 25-year sentence in June 2024. At sentencing, the judge described the prolonged assault as torture while also considering her plea and cooperation. Araujo's guilty plea and Abell's jury conviction establish the legal responsibility reflected in the solved status.
Aileen Seiden was killed during a 2018 motel stay in Eastpoint, Florida; Christina Araujo pleaded guilty and Zachary Abell was convicted of second-degree murder.
Where did the murder happen?
Eastpoint, Florida, United States.
Who was convicted?
Christina Araujo (Pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years.) and Zachary Abell (Convicted of second-degree murder and evidence tampering and sentenced to life imprisonment.).
