A woman from Florida, Nichole A. Maks, facing charges of premeditated first-degree murder in connection with the death of Michael Cerasoli, has accrued additional charges after trying to tamper with evidence by pouring soda on herself to scrub away forensic traces, according to Daytona Beach police.
Cerasoli was found dead with blunt force trauma and stab wounds on July 1 after firefighters responded to a fire at his home. Police later discovered bloodied items near the crime scene, including a knife balanced on Maks’ cellphone.
Police encountered a barefoot Maks with blood on her leg outside a restaurant and she dropped a knife and a hammer when approached. She initially denied knowing the victim but later admitted to living with him and being present in their shared apartment on the day of the murder.
During police questioning, Maks requested a can of Diet Mountain Dew. As officers tried to take the drink away from her, she resisted and poured it on herself, apparently attempting to wash away potential evidence.
Blood samples on the knife matched Maks’ clothing, and her DNA was also found on the weapon’s handle. Maks is currently held without bond in the Volusia County Jail and is scheduled for a court appearance on September 5.
The case highlights the woman’s alleged attempts to interfere with evidence, adding to the complexity of the murder investigation.
