HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — The Hernando County Sheriff's Office said they've arrested a 16-year-old boy in the death investigation after the body of a teenage girl was found near a Hernando County nature preserve Thursday morning.
According to HCSO, around 9:35 a.m., a hiker discovered the body off Ridge Manor Boulevard in Ridge Manor, near Cypress Lake Preserve. Deputies said she had snuck out of her house in the middle of the night, most likely to meet up with some friends, but never returned.
Deputies said the victim was murdered with an "edged weapon." Officials added that the victim's family has been notified.
Authorities said they interviewed two dozen people in a 24-hour span and used social media to track down the suspect and make the arrest.
The sheriff’s office said the suspect and victim knew each other, but they would not go into any further detail as to the extent of their relationship or a possible motive.
“I can tell you that likely the cause of death was from an edged weapon. Initial reports were that there was a lot of passion and violence in this particular death, and we were relatively confident it was not a random act,” said Sheriff Al Nienhuis.
HCSO said the suspect has been charged with first-degree murder.
"It's a great feeling to know that she's going to be okay."
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