Authorities arrested two central Florida teens for the murder of a man who investigators originally thought had died from an accidental fire.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that the teens, ages 18 and 16, were arrested Saturday.
They face first-degree murder and robbery charges for the death of 67-year-old Donald Merkley last month.
The State Fire Marshal's Office originally thought a fire at Merkley's home in Winter Haven, Florida was accidental and caused by an electric heater.
A sheriff's office report says Merkley was choked and hit in the head during a sexual encounter.
The 18-year-old was identified as Jerry Johnsey, and the 16-year-old was identified as Byron Lasiak. The teens were held without bail and couldn't be reached for comment.
