A 49-year-old woman, identified as Joysee Cartagena Clemente, was discovered unconscious with a large zip tie around her neck in a residence on Saltmarsh Loop, Sanford, on July 17. Despite the immediate medical attention provided by Sanford Fire Rescue, Clemente succumbed to her injuries.
Clemente’s son, Steven Rivera Cartagena, shared his grief over the loss of his mother, whom he considered his “personal best friend.” He expressed his devastation, stating that his mother was his world and her loss left him feeling orphaned. He is now seeking justice for his mother’s untimely death.
Clemente was a respected member of the Seminole County Public Schools, where she had been employed from 2015 to 2022. She held positions as a secretary at Spring Lake Elementary School in Altamonte Springs and as a clerk at Lawton Elementary School in Oviedo, according to a spokesperson from the school district.
The Sanford Police Department is treating Clemente’s death as a homicide. They have identified a person of interest in the case, although no names have been released to the public. The department is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward and contact them or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
Steven Rivera Cartagena remains hopeful that justice will be served for his mother. “I want justice for my mother, through and through,” he said, emphasizing his determination to see the person responsible for his mother’s death held accountable.