Brooksville, FL — A grim discovery on a secluded trail has led to a murder investigation after a 16-year-old girl was found dead, authorities said. Her 16-year-old ex-boyfriend has been arrested in connection with the crime, according to the victim’s family.
The victim was identified as Abbriella Elliott of Hernando County, found near Cypress Lakes Preserve early in the morning by a hiker who reported the sighting to the police. The Hernando County Sheriff, Al Nienhuis, revealed in a recent news conference that Elliott had suffered fatal injuries from an edged weapon in what he described as a passionate and extremely violent attack.
Sheriff Nienhuis also disclosed during the conference that a witness had informed investigators Elliott left her house around 1:30 a.m. on the day she was found to meet someone, believed to be the assailant.
The suspect, a minor, is currently in police custody and faces charges likely to be escalated to first-degree murder as an adult, given the severity of the case. This comes after a previous record of a battery arrest last year, Nienhuis noted.
Family members of Elliott told the media that the suspect was her former boyfriend, though officials have not commented on the specifics of their relationship at this time.
Elliott, who had recently celebrated her 16th birthday, is remembered for her vibrant spirit and generosity. Her obituary painted a picture of a young girl with an infectious smile and a compassionate nature, effortlessly uplifting those around her with her laughter and warmth.
In her memory, a vigil was organized on March 30, where her mother, Danyel Caltagirone, spoke about her daughter’s impactful presence. “She could put a smile on anybody’s face,” Caltagirone said. “Everyone who met her, she left an impact on.”
The community has been rallying around the grieving family. A GoFundMe page established to assist with funeral costs has collected over $10,500 from more than 150 donors.
As the investigation continues, this tragedy has underscored the alarming issues of youth violence and the complexities of teenage relationships. The local community and law enforcement are actively working to unravel the circumstances leading to this devastating incident, hoping justice will soon be served for Elliott and her family.