The January 2025 violent robbery of an 83-year-old woman’s lottery winnings in Orange County, Florida, sent shockwaves across the nation, drawing immediate and widespread media attention to the man accused: Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury. The case gained notoriety not just for the brazen nature of the crime, but for the age of the victim, who was attacked moments after collecting her prize. The latest updates, including the suspect’s plea, provide a crucial look into the legal fallout of this shocking incident.
As of today, December 13, 2025, the legal proceedings against Tavarez Fleury have moved swiftly, reflecting the clear evidence presented by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The details surrounding the attack—captured on clear surveillance footage—painted a disturbing picture of a targeted and violent felony. This comprehensive report breaks down the timeline of the crime, the full profile of the accused, and the current legal status of the case.
Biography and Profile of Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury
Prior to his high-profile arrest, very little public information was available regarding Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury. His name quickly became synonymous with the shocking crime in Orlando, Florida, in early 2025. The following is a summary of the known biographical and legal details:
- Full Name: Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury
- Age: 24 years old (at the time of the incident)
- Date of Incident: January 15, 2025
- Location of Incident: Outside a convenience store in Orange County, Florida. Specifically, the robbery occurred near Buddy's Food and Lotto on Curry Ford Road in Orlando.
- Alleged Victim: An 83-year-old woman, whose identity was protected by authorities.
- Charges Filed: Robbery and Battery on an elderly person.
- Current Status: Arrested and in custody. Court records indicate he recently pleaded guilty to a felony third-degree charge.
The swift identification and arrest of Tavarez Fleury were largely due to the high-quality surveillance footage that captured the entire incident, which the Orange County Sheriff's Office quickly released to the public.
The Violent Robbery of a Lottery Winner: A Detailed Timeline
The incident on January 15, 2025, was a calculated act of violence that targeted a vulnerable individual at a moment of small triumph. The details, as released by the Orange County Sheriff's Office and detailed in the arrest affidavit, highlight the brazenness of the attack.
The Setup: Waiting for the Winnings
The victim, an 83-year-old woman, had successfully played and won a lottery prize. She entered Buddy's Food and Lotto on Curry Ford Road to claim her winnings. Investigators later determined that Tavarez Fleury was allegedly observing the transaction, waiting for the moment the elderly woman would exit the store with the cash. This element of pre-meditation elevated the severity of the charges.
As the woman walked out of the store and toward her vehicle, the suspect, identified as Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury, made his move. Court records describe how Tavarez Fleury initially "pretended to walk away but then turned" and aggressively confronted the victim.
The Attack and Escape
Surveillance footage released by the authorities showed the suspect forcibly grabbing the money from the woman's hands. The act was described as a "violent robbery" by the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Despite her advanced age, the victim bravely struggled to hold onto her winnings, but the suspect ultimately overpowered her, breaking free and fleeing the scene with the cash.
The victim, though shaken and injured, was reportedly "seemingly unfazed" and demonstrated remarkable resilience in the aftermath of the traumatic event. The immediate public outcry and media attention put immense pressure on law enforcement to quickly apprehend the suspect in this high-profile case.
Legal Consequences and Felony Third-Degree Plea
The primary focus of the case against Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury has shifted from the initial arrest to the judicial process. The charges of robbery and battery, particularly against an elderly person, carry significant penalties under Florida Statute.
The Arrest and Initial Charges
Following the release of the surveillance video, the Orange County Sheriff's Office quickly received tips from the community, leading to the identification and subsequent arrest of Tavarez Fleury. The Sheriff’s Office used social media platforms to disseminate the information, a tactic that proved highly effective in this case. He was taken into custody and booked into the Orange County Jail, facing serious felony charges.
The charges filed were: Robbery and Battery. Given the victim's age (83 years old), the charges were automatically elevated, reflecting the severity of attacking a senior citizen. This legal distinction ensures a harsher prosecution and potential sentencing outcome.
The Latest Legal Update: Guilty Plea
In a significant development that provides the most current update on the case, reports indicate that Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury recently entered a plea of guilty to a felony third-degree charge. While the specific terms of the plea deal have not been fully disseminated, a guilty plea typically avoids a prolonged, high-stakes trial and confirms the defendant's culpability in the eyes of the court.
In Florida, a third-degree felony can carry a maximum sentence of five years in state prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine. However, the specific sentencing in this case will be heavily influenced by several factors:
- Victim Impact Statement: The testimony of the 83-year-old victim or her family will be a critical component of the sentencing hearing.
- Prior Criminal History: Any past offenses by Tavarez Fleury will weigh heavily on the judge's final decision.
- Nature of the Crime: The violent and targeted nature of the attack on an elderly person is an aggravating factor that will likely push the sentence toward the maximum allowable under the law.
The final sentencing date remains the most anticipated update in the case, and the community of Orlando, along with the broader public, awaits the court's final punishment for this egregious act of violence.
Community Outrage and The Call for Justice
The incident sparked a massive wave of community outrage, with citizens expressing their shock and anger on social media and local news channels. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office received widespread praise for their rapid response and successful apprehension of the suspect.
The case of Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury has become a flashpoint for discussions surrounding the protection of the elderly and the penalties for violent street crime. Law enforcement agencies in Central Florida and beyond used the case as an example of why community vigilance and quick reporting are essential to solving crimes, especially those targeting vulnerable populations. The focus now remains on the judicial system to deliver a sentence that reflects the severity of the crime and provides a measure of justice for the 83-year-old victim.
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