Eastpoint, Florida: A Tale of Tragedy and Justice in a Quiet Town
In the small Gulf Coast town of Eastpoint, Florida, the peaceful existence was tragically disrupted in April 2018 when the discovery of a woman’s body sent shockwaves through the community. The body belonged to Aileen Seiden, and her brutal murder raised concerns among residents about safety and the identity of the killer.
The Gruesome Discovery
On April 23, 2018, Lt. Ronnie Jones of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a body found off Highway 98. The woman, later identified as Aileen Seiden, had been severely beaten, and with no identification found at the scene, she became a Jane Doe. The investigation into her death began, and it quickly escalated when another crime scene was reported at the Sportsman’s Lodge Motel.
Connecting the Dots
While investigating the crime scene at the motel, Jones found a bloody bed and a lingering smell of vinegar, suggesting an attempt to clean up the horrific events that occurred there. It was evident that Aileen’s murder was not just a random act of violence; the clues pointed toward a deeper connection among those involved.
Jarred Patterson, an assistant prosecutor in Franklin County, noted how the town, often referred to as the “Forgotten Coast,” was shocked by the violence that had unfolded. What initially appeared as a single tragic event quickly unfolded into a complex web of relationships and hidden dangers.
Aileen’s Background
Aileen Seiden’s life story is one of resilience. She faced the unfathomable loss of her mother and father at a young age, leaving her a guardian to her sister, Franceasca Seiden. As an adult, Aileen was known for her strong and independent spirit, working as a property manager in Miami. However, her involvement with the wrong crowd led her down a dangerous path.
A Troubled Relationship
Aileen rekindled a relationship with Zachary Abell, a man from her past. This relationship spiraled into a dysfunctional “throuple” involving Abell’s girlfriend, Christina Araujo. Friends described the dynamic as turbulent, marked by jealousy and aggression. Over time, Aileen found herself trapped in a volatile situation, leading to her tragic demise.
The Events Leading to Aileen’s Death
In the days leading up to her murder, Aileen, Abell, and Araujo went on a road trip that took a disturbing turn into violence. A friend of Aileen recalled her expressing fear for her life over the phone, stating, “I think they’re going to kill me.” Franceasca, concerned for her sister’s safety, advised her to seek help. However, Aileen felt trapped, unable to escape her dangerous situation.
On April 22, 2018, the trio found themselves at the Sportsman’s Lodge Motel. After a night filled with drinking and tension, a violent confrontation erupted between Aileen and Abell. According to Araujo’s later testimony, Abell attacked Aileen without warning, and what began as an argument escalated into a brutal assault.
The Aftermath
Once Aileen was dead, Abell and Araujo attempted to cover up the crime. They left the motel, nervously evading questions about Aileen’s whereabouts. It was only when Aileen’s body was discovered that the full scale of the tragedy became clear. Abell and Araujo were arrested shortly after, facing charges of first-degree murder.
Chasing Justice
For nearly six years, the case lingered on, with Franceasca holding onto the hope that justice would eventually be served. In January 2024, Abell finally faced trial after Araujo accepted a plea deal for a lesser charge. As evidence was presented in court, it became evident that both individuals played significant roles in the horrific events that led to Aileen’s death.
The jury ultimately found Abell guilty of second-degree murder, while Araujo had already accepted responsibility for her involvement in the crime. Sentencing revealed the pain left in the aftermath of Aileen’s murder, with both the victims and their families suffering irreparable loss and trauma.
Community Impact
The case remains a chilling reminder of the dangers present in abusive relationships. Friends and family of Aileen hope her story will raise awareness about the signs of domestic violence and encourage those in similar situations to seek help.
In the words of Aileen’s sister, Franceasca, she hopes Aileen will be remembered as “a sweet, loving human being” who faced unimaginable hardships but still showed great kindness.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
