A Florida man, Javier Saenz, 43, is facing second-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing his fiancée, Tonya Sidebottom, 55, at a storage facility where she worked and lived. The incident took place early Sunday morning, around 12:30 a.m., at the Tonya Sidebottom Custom Sewing unit in Jensen Beach.
Details of the Incident
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Saenz reportedly shot Sidebottom once in the chest and then waited “at least” 10 minutes before making a 911 call.
In the call, Saenz allegedly kept repeating, “Just send them. Just send them,” as recounted by Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek in an interview with local ABC affiliate WPBF.
Distress on the 911 Call
During the 911 call, fire rescue dispatchers reportedly heard a woman screaming in the background, yelling “Gunshot! Gunshot!” while Saenz did not explicitly state that he shot her. However, the dispatchers could deduce from the distress that the woman was in immediate danger.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Sidebottom suffering from a gunshot wound to her chest but still alive. According to Sheriff Budensiek, Sidebottom told deputies that Saenz had waited for a significant amount of time—at least 10 minutes—before calling 911.
Saenz’s Involvement and Charges
In the 911 call, Saenz admitted to shooting Sidebottom, stating, “In the chest.” These words were seen as an admission of guilt by authorities, leading to his arrest. In addition to second-degree murder, Saenz was also charged with denying Sidebottom the ability to call 911 during the incident.
Past History and Risk Protection Order
Sheriff Budensiek revealed that Saenz had a prior arrest on his record for aggravated assault involving a handgun. Additionally, a risk protection order had been placed against Saenz last year in Port St. Lucie.
The order was issued after police were called to the scene, and several firearms were seized from Saenz. Among those firearms, one was later identified as the murder weapon. However, it is noted that the risk protection order for these firearms expired in April 2025, according to court records.
Investigations and Legal Proceedings
Saenz remains in custody as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Authorities are working to understand more about the relationship between Saenz and Sidebottom and how the events leading to her death unfolded. Saenz is expected to face further legal proceedings, with his next court appearance scheduled soon.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office continues to urge anyone with additional information about the case to come forward as they seek justice for Sidebottom.
