The shocking murder of Sasha Samsudean in October 2015 devastated the Orlando community. What made the crime even more terrifying was that her killer, Stephen Duxbury, was a trusted security guard at her apartment complex. This tragedy highlights the unsettling truth that threats can come from those meant to protect us.
Who Was Sasha Samsudean?
Born on July 4, 1988, Sasha Samsudean was a vibrant and outgoing young woman who lived in Orlando, Florida. A graduate of the University of Florida, she worked at a real estate company connecting people with rental homes — a job that perfectly matched her sociable personality.
Sasha lived at Uptown Place Apartments, a modern, well-secured building with keyless entry, security cameras, and a 24/7 security guard. But despite these measures, she became the victim of a crime that no one could have anticipated.
The Night of the Incident
On October 16, 2015, Sasha went out with friends to enjoy Orlando’s nightlife. She spent the evening at Attic Nightclub and left around 2 a.m. to head home. Witnesses later said she seemed intoxicated but was still in good spirits.
When Sasha didn’t show up for a scheduled breakfast with her friend Anthony Roper the next morning, concern grew. Roper and other friends tried reaching her through calls and messages, but there was no response. Worried for her safety, they went to her apartment and eventually called the police for a welfare check.
The Disturbing Discovery
When police entered Sasha’s apartment, they immediately noticed the strong smell of bleach. Sasha was found partially clothed, lying in bed under her comforter. Her shirt was torn, and her pants and underwear were missing.
There were no signs of forced entry, which raised suspicions. The autopsy confirmed that she had been strangled, and her body showed signs of blunt force trauma.
Police began piecing together clues and focused on someone familiar with the building’s security system — Stephen Duxbury, the on-duty security guard.
How Stephen Duxbury Became a Suspect
Duxbury initially told police that he saw Sasha return to the building but claimed she didn’t have her key fob. He said she followed another resident inside and that he last saw her outside her apartment door trying to enter her code.
However, surveillance footage told a different story.
For 40 minutes, Duxbury followed Sasha through the building’s hallways and staircases. Using his security access, he entered restricted areas to stay close to her. He saw her vulnerability and used it to his advantage.
Additional evidence soon piled up against Duxbury:
- Fingerprints: His prints were found on Sasha’s toilet seat — a suspicious detail in a home where only she lived.
- DNA Evidence: DNA from Sasha’s body matched Duxbury’s profile.
- Digital Search History: On the morning of the murder, Duxbury searched for ways to bypass digital locks like the one on Sasha’s door.
CCTV footage also showed Duxbury carrying garbage bags from the building around 6:30 a.m., which matched the trash bags found in Sasha’s apartment. His lies quickly unraveled.
From Protector to Predator
Investigators discovered that Duxbury wasn’t new to inappropriate behavior. Residents had previously reported him for acting “creepy” and following women in the building. Despite these complaints, no action was taken to remove him from his position.
On the night of the crime, Duxbury saw Sasha as an easy target. Instead of performing his duty to protect residents, he crossed a line and became a predator. He used his knowledge of the building’s security system to gain access to her apartment and committed a brutal crime.
The Arrest and Trial
On October 30, 2015, Stephen Duxbury was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, attempted sexual battery, and burglary.
During his trial in November 2017, prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence against him. Duxbury’s digital search history, DNA samples, and suspicious behavior captured on surveillance footage painted a clear picture of his guilt.
After a six-day trial, Duxbury was found guilty on all charges. He received two life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 15 years for burglary.
Lessons from Sasha Samsudean’s Tragedy
The murder of Sasha Samsudean raised important questions about safety in residential buildings. Her family later filed a lawsuit against the building management, security company, and lock manufacturer, arguing that better safeguards could have prevented the tragedy.
This case also highlights the importance of taking security concerns seriously. Several residents had complained about Duxbury’s unsettling behavior, but those warnings went unheeded.
Today, Sasha’s story serves as a chilling reminder that trust must be earned, and safety measures should be more than just superficial. Her memory lives on as a call for greater vigilance in protecting our communities.
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