State Attorney Aramis Ayala's Death Penalty Review Panel unanimously recommended the death penalty for the man accused of killing Winter Park personal assistant Jennifer Fulford.

The Orange County Grand Jury issued a first-degree murder indictment against Scott Edward Nelson Tuesday morning, and a death notice was filed, according to the State Attorney's office. Nelson is also charged with the kidnapping of Fulford.

Nelson confessed to killing and kidnapping Fulford, according to court documents. Fulford disappeared in September from a Winter Park home on Webster Avenue, where she worked.

Investigators say Nelson entered the home with a cutting instrument and kidnapped Fulford on Sept. 27. He later killed the woman.

Fulford's body was found three days later in a wooded area off Apopka-Vineland Road in Orange County. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was stab wounds and asphyxia.

Nelson confessed to the crimes in mid-November, said authorities.

The Berman family, who employed Fulford, released a statement Tuesday afternoon in regards to the death penalty recommendation.  

“While there is little comfort to be found in this terrible ordeal, we are grateful that the grand jury has seen this matter for what it is – an inexcusable and unexplainable act of violence," wrote the Bermans. "Our hope is that this matter will continue to move forward through the justice system with a proper conclusion and allow us to focus on Jennifer Fulford’s memory rather than on the man who took her life.”