The body of 19-year-old Miya Marcano, who had been missing since September 24, was found yesterday morning.
Her body was discovered near the dilapidated Tymber Skan apartments around 10:45 am, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said at a press conference.
Mina said the cell phone of the prime suspect, 27-year-old Armando Caballero, pinged in the area and sheriff’s office search parties started investigating the area first thing yesterday morning.
Investigators believe that Caballero, a maintenance worker at an Orange County complex, the Arden Villas, who Marcano repeatedly rebuffed his romantic advances, used a master key on September 24 to enter her apartment and abduct her. Caballero was found dead on September 27 at a different apartment complex in Seminole County in an apparent suicide. Since then, investigators have been searching across Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties.
An autopsy will determine a cause of death and a medical examiner will positively identify Marcano, though Mina said deputies were certain it was her as her purse with her ID was found.
Marcano was last seen around 5 pm on September 24 at Arden Villas apartments where she lived. She was supposed to board a flight to South Florida where she was originally from but never made it.
Family attorney: Miya's death 100 per cent preventable
Following Orange County Sheriff Department Sheriff John Mina's press conference, attorney for the Marcano family, Daryl K Washington's response was sent to the Sunday Guardian yesterday.
Washington said “Learning the news of 19-year-old Miya’s disappearance has been incredibly disheartening. It is every parent’s worst nightmare. We’re beyond disappointed with the news that she has been found dead and we along with her family, friends and loved ones mourn for such a beautiful young lady with a promising future.
"We do want to thank the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the FBI, and everyone who has contributed to finding Miya.
"We want to stress that we believe that her disappearance and consequential death was 100 per cent preventable and we intend to hold those responsible accountable to the full extent of the law." He said policies must be in place to always protect women.
Members of the legal team asked that the media and public continue to respect the privacy of the family as they grieve. Washington announced that the family will not be speaking with any media at this time. However, the team will update the media with additional information in the coming days.
When Marcano, the daughter of popular Miami-based DJ Marlon Marcano aka DJ Eternal Vibes was initially reported missing, the Caribbean and US-based soca community showed their solidarity and support for Miya.
The teenager was well-liked by many people and not just in the soca community, and those who were friends with her father who is originally from Trinidad.
Among the artistes who lent their voice and support on social media to find Marcano were Nailah Blackman, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez, Bunji Garlin, Farmer Nappy, Aaron “Voice” St Louis, and Skinny Fabulous.