COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — A domestic violence call in Columbia County led deputies to a disturbing discovery early Thursday morning after a 19-year-old man reported that his girlfriend was no longer breathing.
According to the arrest report, Isaiah Campbell called police at about 4:19 a.m., prompting deputies to respond to the residence.
When deputies entered the home, they found 21-year-old Nicole Lopez in the kitchen. Police said her body was already cold and stiff when they arrived.
Campbell was detained and questioned about what had happened.
During the interview, Campbell was reportedly crying and visibly upset. Police said he told investigators that he had “blacked out” and did not mean to kill Lopez.
What followed, according to the arrest report, was an account of an argument that allegedly turned violent.
Police Say Argument Turned Into Violent Attack
Campbell allegedly told investigators that he and Lopez began arguing before Lopez struck him in the chest and arm. According to police, Campbell said he became enraged and struck Lopez in the face several times.
He reportedly told investigators that Lopez eventually said she felt “lightheaded” before falling to the floor. Instead of immediately checking on her, Campbell allegedly left the room.
According to the arrest report, Campbell said he went into another room to calm himself down and spent approximately 30 minutes away from Lopez.
“Isaiah stated he felt as if she was playing around and wanted attention,” the report says.
Police allege Campbell did not check on Lopez after she collapsed. The account became even more disturbing when Campbell said he later returned and found Lopez lying on her back and not responding.
Teen Claims He Performed CPR Before Calling 911
Campbell allegedly told investigators that he attempted CPR after finding Lopez unresponsive. According to his statement to police, he performed CPR for about an hour before covering Lopez with a white sheet.
Campbell reportedly said he was extremely scared and did not know what to do. The arrest report states that he eventually called 911 after his panic began to subside.
Police say Campbell told them Lopez had died and that he covered her body because he was “tired of looking at her.”
The report also states that flies had begun swarming the body by the time authorities became involved. The disturbing condition of the scene prompted investigators to examine the residence for additional evidence.
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Investigators Find Blood and Multiple Injuries
According to police, Lopez had facial swelling and widespread bruising.
Investigators also documented multiple puncture wounds on her body that appeared consistent with stabbing, the arrest report says.
Blood evidence was reportedly found throughout the home. Investigators also said they discovered blood beneath Campbell’s fingernails and on his shoes.
Campbell allegedly denied stabbing Lopez, telling police that he had only struck her in the face.
That claim is now part of the investigation as authorities work to determine exactly what happened inside the residence before Lopez’s death.
The arrest report details the injuries and physical evidence investigators say they observed, while Campbell’s account disputes at least part of what police believe may have occurred.
Teen Held Without Bond on Murder Charge
Campbell was arrested Thursday following the domestic violence investigation and is now facing a murder charge.
He is being held at the Columbia County Detention Facility without bond, according to the arrest information provided by police.
The case remains active, and the allegations described in the arrest report are not the same as a finding of guilt. Campbell will have the opportunity to respond to the charges through the legal process.
Authorities have not indicated that the investigation is complete, and additional details could emerge as the case moves forward.
For now, the case centers on the death of Nicole Lopez, 21, and the allegations that an argument inside the Florida home escalated into a fatal act of violence.
What do you think about the disturbing allegations in this case? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for further updates as the investigation and court proceedings continue.