Brian Hamacher

Margate Man Charged With Murder in Girlfriend's Death

A Margate man is facing a murder charge after police say he asphyxiated his girlfriend.

Richard Henry Patterson, 63, was arrested Wednesday in the death of 60-year-old Francisca Marquinez, Margate Police said.

Patterson was being held without bond Thursday, Broward jail records showed. It was unknown if he's hired an attorney.

Police said the body of Marquinez was found in her home at the Royal Park Gardens Condominiums in the 6700 block of Royal Palm Boulevard on Oct. 28.

Patterson, Marquinez's boyfriend of four months, lived in the same complex. He was a suspect in the investigation until it was determined he had asphyxiated Marquinez, police said.

Police haven't given a motive in the killing. The investigation is still active.

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