Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered the body of a deceased woman inside a submerged vehicle in Ocklawaha on Saturday afternoon, just days after a man’s body was found and a 16-year-old girl was shot around the same area.
On Thursday, March 30, shortly after 10:50 p.m., MCSO deputies responded to the area of Forest Lakes Park on SE 183rd Avenue Road in Ocklawaha in reference to an injured female who was laying on the side of the road. Upon arrival, deputies located a 16-year-old girl who had been shot, and she was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
At approximately 7:55 a.m. on Friday March 31, deputies responded to the area of SE 94th Street and SE 188th Court in Ocklawaha in reference to another person who had been found on the side of the road. Deputies quickly arrived on scene and discovered the body of a man who had been fatally shot. According to MCSO, the male victim’s name is being withheld at the request of his next of kin pursuant to Marsy’s Law.
On Saturday, April 1, at around 12:40 p.m, deputies received information relating to the homicide investigation and responded to the area of Malauka Loop and Malauka Loop Trace in Ocklawaha. Upon arrival, deputies observed a vehicle that was partially submerged at the edge of a nearby body of water.
The MCSO Forensic Unit and Underwater Recovery Team arrived at the location to process the scene and search for additional evidence. According to the sheriff’s office, the interior of the vehicle was searched and the body of a deceased woman was found. Her name is also being withheld at the request of her next of kin.
MCSO Major Crimes detectives are continuing their investigation. If anyone saw anything suspicious or has any information that may be of interest to investigators, please contact Detective Ryan Stith at 352-368-3542.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact the Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867) and reference 23-22 in your tip.