A Florida man has died days after being found locked in a room, screaming, and doused with acid — an attack authorities allege was carried out by his wife, who reportedly called 911 to report the incident.
The victim, Robert Heyden, was attacked last week at a residence in New Port Richey, Fla., according to a statement from the New Port Richey Police Department. Police did not initially name him, but he was later identified by the Tampa Bay Times.
Chuanying He was arrested in connection with Heyden’s death, per police reports.
On Thursday, Aug. 21, officers responded to a domestic disturbance call and found an adult male suffering from “severe injuries from a corrosive substance,” the department said. Heyden was taken to a medical facility in nearby Tampa but succumbed to his injuries early Sunday morning.
According to an arrest affidavit cited by the Tampa Bay Times, the responding officer alleged that He had locked Heyden in the bedroom using a wooden bar and wire attached to the door lock. Investigators said Heyden could be heard screaming inside the room when police arrived, as reported by WFLA.
Authorities determined the attack was “intentional in nature” and arrested He. Police allege that He, identified as Heyden’s wife by WFLA and the Tampa Bay Times, admitted to trying to kill him.
The couple had married in August 2024 but were reportedly undergoing divorce proceedings at the time of the attack, according to court records cited by the Tampa Bay Times.
He is being held on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery resulting in serious bodily injury. It remains unclear whether she has entered a plea or retained an attorney.
