Suspect arrested in murder of Kissimmee couple

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Osceola County sheriff's deputies say an arrest has been made in the deaths of an elderly couple. 

Federico Gondola, 35, is charged with premeditated murder. Investigators say he worked as a handyman for the victims before he killed them. 

Roosevelt and Janette Dixon, both in their 70s, were found dead in their Kissimmee home on July 14, but investigators say it appears they were killed several days before. 

According to court documents, authorities received information that Gondola was trying to extort the couple for money, and when Mr. Dixon reached for his gun, Gondola grabbed it and shot him and his wife. 

Deputies say when they got on scene, a locked box from the home was missing and a server for the surveillance system was ripped out, but there were no signs of a break-in. 

Neighbors say the Dixons were friendly and caring. Deputies say they were married for more than 20 years and came to Florida after retiring in New York. 

Gondola is being held at the Osceola County jail on no bond. He was arrested Sunday in St. Cloud.