Seminole — Detectives with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a man on a charge of second-degree murder following the death of a 76-year-old woman whose body was discovered inside a hotel room.
According to investigators, deputies responded to the Holiday Inn Express, located at 4816 100th Way North, at approximately 11:35 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, after a hotel employee reported finding a deceased person inside one of the rooms.
When deputies entered the room, they found 76-year-old Emma Mullins lying on the floor wrapped in a blanket and covered with sheets, towels, and clothing in what investigators believe was an attempt to conceal her body. Mullins was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives with the Robbery and Homicide Unit determined that an altercation had occurred between Mullins and 39-year-old Paul Stottler, who is transient. Investigators reported finding blood stains throughout the room, along with overturned furniture, broken glass, and other signs indicating Mullins had suffered significant trauma.
Surveillance video from the hotel reportedly captured Mullins and Stottler entering the room together. However, detectives say that only Stottler was seen leaving the room several hours later, carrying multiple bags. Investigators allege he disposed of the bags in a dumpster located in the hotel parking lot.
A subsequent search of the dumpster led detectives to recover three documents bearing Mullins’ name concealed inside an ice bucket, as well as bedding and a pair of men’s pants stained with blood.
Based on the investigation, detectives arrested Stottler and charged him with Second-Degree Murder. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
Mullins’ next of kin has been notified.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Prior Pinellas County Court History (2018-present)
Court records indicate Paul Mason Stottler has faced multiple felony prosecutions in Pinellas County dating back to 2018.
2026 (Current Case)
- Second-Degree Murder (Case No. 26-05469-CF-1) – Pending.
2022
- Case No. 22-03880-CF (Open)
- Felony Battery
- Trespass in a Structure or Conveyance
- Loitering or Prowling
- Case No. 22-03881-CF (Closed)
- Burglary
- Criminal Mischief
2021
- Case No. 21-01984-CF (Closed)
- Felony Battery
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Resisting an Officer Without Violence
- Tampering with a Witness
- Aggravated Assault
- Felony Battery
2020
- Case No. 20-09421-CO (Closed)
- Open Container of Alcoholic Beverage
2018
- Case No. 18-14383-CF (Closed)
- False Imprisonment
- Battery