A Duplin County man has now been charged with murder after deputies say his live-in girlfriend died from a beating.
Jesus Cortez was originally charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill. Deputies say Leota Chaney of Tapp Farm Road had been taken to Lenoir Memorial Hospital on Monday by Cortez. The 45-year-old woman had severe head trauma and transported to Pitt County Memorial Hospital where she died the next day.
Deputies say after going to the crime scene it was clear that a struggle had happened and there was a large amount of blood throughout the home.
The 44-year-old Cortez is being held without bond at the Duplin County jail.
