Current Updates on Zachary Abell and Christina Araujo Ahead of CBS’s 48 Hours
Zachary Abell and Christina Araujo have been convicted for the murder of Aileen Seiden, a tragic event that occurred in 2018. Both individuals were sentenced to prison for their roles in this homicide, long after their initial arrests for the crime.
The tenth episode of the 34th season of 48 Hours, titled “Who Killed Aileen Seiden in Room 15?”, highlights this murder case. It is currently streaming on Paramount+ and will be broadcasted on CBS on October 19, 2024, at 10 PM EST.
The episode’s synopsis reads:
“Three guests check into a motel room in Florida. Only two emerge alive.”
The Arrest of Zachary Abell and Christina Araujo in Connection with Aileen Seiden’s Murder
Aileen Seiden’s body was discovered on April 23, 2018, on the side of Highway 98 in Florida, days after her murder. Furthermore, the scene of room 15 at the Sportsman Lodge, located nearby, was found stained with blood. This led law enforcement to quickly connect both locations to the investigation.
As the inquiry unfolded, it revealed that Zachary Abell, Christina Araujo, and Aileen Seiden had all checked into the same room at the Sportsman Lodge. Prior to the crime, the three were traveling together and entangled in a troubling romantic triangle.
The autopsy report indicated that Aileen Seiden suffered brutal injuries resulting in her death, including multiple blunt force traumas, such as a fractured skull, broken ribs, and shattered limbs.
Reports suggest that Zachary Abell exhibited violent behavior towards both women throughout their complex relationship. Aileen had confided in a close friend, who wished to remain anonymous, detailing her experiences of abuse. According to this friend, Aileen expressed:
“The whole dynamic began to shift; one of them frequently felt like the odd one out, which ignited jealousy. It spiraled quickly. Aileen would call me… saying, ‘You need to come over; he hurt me again.’ She usually would not tolerate any mistreatment from anyone, but this situation was different.”
Zachary Abell’s Plea and Trial Proceedings
Following their apprehension, both Abell and Araujo were held in separate detention facilities as they awaited trial. In 2023, Araujo entered a plea of guilty to a charge of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison, during which she provided testimony against Abell, claiming he coerced her involvement in the crime.
Conversely, Abell maintained his innocence and did not plead guilty. However, in 2024, he was convicted of second-degree murder and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment.
To delve deeper into this case, tune in to the upcoming episode of 48 Hours on CBS, titled “Who Killed Aileen Seiden in Room 15?”.
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