Two strangers helped her find her way home after a night out. The man who was supposed to be protecting the building was the one who followed her inside.
Who Was Sasha
Sasha Samsudean, born in 1988, worked in social media management for the education company Pearson and was an active volunteer with the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando, where she was named Account Executive of the Year in 2012. She lived at the Uptown Place Condominiums in downtown Orlando, Florida.
Her Final Night
On the night of October 17, 2015, Sasha spent time with friends at a downtown Orlando nightclub before heading home alone in the early morning. Intoxicated and having difficulty finding her way, she was helped back to her building by two women she encountered along the way, where they were met by Stephen Duxbury, the building's overnight security guard.
Suspicious Footage
Security camera review later revealed Duxbury had followed Sasha through the building for nearly 40 minutes that night — contradicting his initial statement that he had only briefly assisted her at the entrance — and had used his master key to access multiple secured areas.
The Discovery
When Sasha failed to respond to messages and missed plans with friends the next day, they grew concerned and requested a welfare check. Police found her dead inside her apartment, with a strong smell of bleach in the air and evidence suggesting a struggle had occurred, though there were no signs of forced entry.
Building the Case
Forensic testing recovered male DNA and fingerprints inside Sasha's apartment. Investigators found Duxbury had searched online for information on bypassing a lock matching the type installed on her door, and matched fingerprints and DNA evidence at the scene directly to him. Footage also showed him disposing of garbage bags matching ones found in her apartment early that morning.
Trial and Conviction
Duxbury was arrested on October 30, 2015, and charged with first-degree murder, attempted sexual battery, and burglary. Following a six-day trial, he was convicted on all counts on November 21, 2017, and sentenced to two life sentences without parole for the murder, plus 15 additional years for burglary.
FAQ
How was Stephen Duxbury identified as the perpetrator?
Security footage showing him following Sasha through the building, combined with matching DNA and fingerprint evidence found at the scene.
What was Duxbury's role at the building?
He was the overnight security guard at Sasha's condominium complex.
What sentence did he receive?
Two life sentences without parole plus 15 years for burglary.