ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies found two bodies in an Orange County home on Monday, and they’re looking for a person of interest and vehicle in connection with the homicide investigation.
Deputies said they want to find Robert Joseph Cardin. Investigators said he is a person of interest who might be involved in the deaths of his mother, Martha Cardin, 75, and his brother, Steven Cardin, 55.
Investigators think Robert Cardin could be driving a 2016 black Dodge Journey Crossroad with a Florida license plate CJI-G21.
Just after 3 p.m., deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office conducted a wellness check at a home in the 1500 block of Ravana Drive, after Martha Cardin failed to show up for work since Friday, officials said.
The 75-year-old woman’s employer was concerned and called investigators. Martha Cardin worked in the cafeteria at Florida Hospital East, officials said.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our longtime employee, colleague and friend, Martha Cardin. Martha’s extraordinarily caring personality will be profoundly missed by the countless lives she touched," a Florida Hospital spokesperson said in a statement. "We were blessed to have Martha greet and aid our patients, and their families, for more than two decades in her role at Nutritional Services. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time.”
Deputies said they noticed something "suspicious" when they arrived, they said, and forced their way into the home.
They found the bodies of Martha Cardin and her son, Steven Cardin. Deputies have not released their causes of deaths, but said they are believed to be homicide victims.
The Sheriff’s Office said someone in the neighborhood knows the two, and suggested deputies search for the Dodge Journey Crossroad.
Anyone who spots Cardin or the vehicle of interest is advised not to approach him and instead call 911.
The home is on the county’s east side. Ravana Drive was blocked off for a time Monday as officials investigated.