Florida man charged after woman’s body found wrapped in blanket in hotel room

By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News · July 2, 2026 · 2 min read

A Florida man is accused of killing a woman after an apparent altercation in a St. Petersburg hotel last week, authorities said.Read more trending news According to Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office online booking records, Paul Mason Stottler, 39, listed as a transient in Largo, was arrested on Ju...

Why this matters in The Atlanta

The shocking details of this murder case in St. Petersburg serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that exist in hotels and other temporary residences. While Atlanta has its own share of hotels and transient populations, the city's law enforcement and hospitality industries must remain vigilant to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. In Atlanta, where tourism and business travel are significant contributors to the local economy, ensuring the safety and security of hotel guests is crucial. The fact that the suspect in this case was able to commit such a heinous crime in a hotel room, and then attempt to dispose of evidence in a dumpster, raises questions about the effectiveness of hotel security measures and the need for increased surveillance and monitoring. As the city continues to grow and attract more visitors, it is imperative that hotels and law enforcement agencies in Atlanta take steps to prevent and respond to violent crimes.

About this story

Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News. The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: safety · Published: July 2, 2026 · Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News · Reading time: 2 min

Frequently asked about this story

What is this story about?

When was this published?

This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

Where can I find related coverage?

See more safety coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs.

About this coverage

Every story on The Atlanta is curated, fact-checked against the original publisher's reporting, and contextualized for our readers. We do not republish full articles — we link back to the source, summarize the key facts under fair use, and add the local or topical relevance that our audience needs. Our editorial standards and corrections policy are public: see theatlanta.org/editorial-standards.

About The Atlanta

The Atlanta is published by Nexcom Media as part of the Nexcom Media Network. We launched in 2024 and have grown to cover Atlanta GA news, Atlanta Public Schools, Midtown High School, Atlanta. Our reporting is supported by display advertising, sponsorships, and reader donations — with sponsored placements clearly attributed. Read our ownership disclosures at theatlanta.org/ownership.

Stay informed

Nexcom Media Network

More stories from our newsroom

Music Producer Turbo Invests in the Next Generation Through Community Event

Wellness Without the Diet: Chef Kenny Minor’s Fresh Approach

Secret Atlanta: July Events Around Atlanta

StubHub sued by fans who say ticket cancellations crushed dreams of going to World Cup

Fireworks, special events set across metro Atlanta to celebrate Fourth of July

First-Of-Its-Kind Handbag Residency

Bat tests positive for rabies in DeKalb County

Trilith Foundation: Where blockbusters are Born

$26M wedding gift: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce donate to charities before celebration

Creating Community on the Radio

Brother saves 6-year-old girl from rabid bat attack with makeshift sword

SCAD Students Power Match Day Social

Thousands of air conditioners recalled due to fire, burn risks as heat wave continues

Man pleads guilty to writing ‘imposter’ ransom note in Nancy Guthrie case

Couple who scaled Empire State Building tower face felony charges

Battle for the Senate: Ossoff proposes 3 debates as Collins campaign fires back

Suspended Towns County sheriff arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Suspended sheriff arrested by GBI

America 250: Top patriotic movies to celebrate America’s birthday

$3 Goodwill jacket now expected to sell for up to $250,000

Suspended Towns County sheriff arrested by GBI

Top 10 most wanted murder suspect arrested in metro Atlanta

Georgia authorities investigating suspected arson in, up to $10K reward for information

Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home to welcome visitors after renovation

‘Where’s your parents?’: Florida police spot 8-year-old boy riding Jet Ski alone

Former NFL scout sentenced to life for deaths of pregnant girlfriend, unborn child

Top 10 most wanted murder suspect arrested in DeKalb County

After proposing increase, metro Atlanta city instead passes reduced property tax

Rabies confirmed in dead bat found in DeKalb County

13-year-old boy, man shot to death in DeKalb County home

13-year-old, man killed after someone opens fire on home while kids were having a sleepover

Both victims of fatal double DeKalb County shooting identified

Mixed-use 880 North project opens in English Avenue neighborhood

Recall alert: 13K air conditioners recalled

Investigation uncovers meth, nearly $12K in cash at Georgia campsite

Norcross to add 27 single-family homes in downtown redevelopment

Rabid bat found in Stone Mountain area of DeKalb County

Florida man charged after woman’s body found wrapped in blanket in hotel room

Recall alert: 42K LED light fixtures recalled

23-year-old motorcyclist killed in Cobb County crash