Jailhouse interview: Suspect arrested in connection to 'Miss Flo's' murder says he's innocent
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KTVU) - The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday the arrest of a fourth suspect in connection to the brutal murder of a beloved San Jose woman. 19-year-old Johnny Brown is accused of killing 88-year-old Flovais Douglas known as 'Miss Flo' at her home back in September of 2016.
In a jailhouse interview Wednesday, Brown told KTVU he's innocent.
To this day, neighbors on North Cragmont in San Jose are shaken up over the elderly woman's death, an innocent victim in a horrific home-invasion robbery. Ken Holland lives across the street and misses seeing her every day.
“She was a beautiful gal,” said Holland. “She always waved good morning. She was a sweetheart.”
Last September, the sheriff's office said intruders broke into Miss Flo’s house, held her down, beat and assaulted her. The 88-year-old died at a hospital a month later.
Two days after the crime, deputies arrested 19-year-old Zachary Cuen who lived a few blocks away.
19-year-old Jennifer Jimenez and 20-year-old Perla Arreola were arrested earlier this year accused of concealing evidence. On Tuesday, deputies made a fourth arrest 19-year-old Johnny Brown of San Jose.
“I had no idea there were other people involved,” said Holland. “It was a shock.”
Deputies would not say what role Brown played in the attack,but was likely inside Miss Flo’s home with Cuen at the time.
“The arrest of this individual we believe is one of the individuals who were able to kill or murder Miss Flo,” said Sgt. Reggie Cooks of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.
Brown is facing charges of homicide, burglary, elder abuse and robbery. Miss Flo was a retired beauty shop owner and churchgoer at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.
Her tragic death devastated the East San Jose community. Phyllis Silva has known Miss Flo all her life and said while the arrests will never bring Miss Flo back, it's one step closer to closure.
“I’m glad the sheriffs didn't let up on it,” said Neighbor Phyllis Silva. ”I’m glad they have someone else. Hopefully this is it and there's still isn't anybody else out there.”
The victim's granddaughter said the woman had lived in the home since 1964.
Deputies would not say if they are looking for any more suspects. Brown has been booked into the Santa Clara County Jail. He will be arraigned Wednesday. He’s being held without bail.