Man leaves cut off finger behind after stabbing woman at NC hotel, it led to his murder charge

SMITHFIELD, N.C. (WTVD) -- Smithfield Police have charged a man the day after a woman was found stabbed to death at a motel.

Officers responded at about 12:45 p.m. Monday to the Baymont Inn at 125 S. Equity Drive. First responders attempted first aid, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The woman is identified as Sandra Omary Juarez of Smithfield.

Police say they developed Eric Jonathan Nelson, 49, as a suspect from evidence left at the scene including a finger.

Tuesday, Nelson was served with a first-degree murder warrant in the Southside Regional Jail in Emporia, Virginia.

"Through intense investigative efforts and working with our law enforcement partners we were able to quickly take Nelson into custody," Chief Pete Hedrick stated.

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"This attack appears to have been unprovoked, what motivated Nelson to commit this horrible crime remains under investigation. From witnesses on the scene, surveillance video at the hotel, intelligence from our Flock program (LPR license plate readers), to the undeniable physical evidence left on the scene we feel 100% confident that we have the right person in custody," Chief Hedrick added.

Smithfield police say the suspect cut off his finger in the attack and left it behind at the scene. The SBI used the finger to identify him via a fingerprint.

"The crime was so brutal that during the attack it appears Nelson severed his own finger which was left at the scene. Today, the SBI was able to positively identify the finger recovered at the scene as Nelson's through fingerprints."

The Smithfield Police Department is asking anyone who had interactions with Eric Nelson and can provide information to help in the investigation to call 919-934-2121.

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