West Melbourne Police Identify Dead Teen Discovered Tuesday As 14-Year-Old Runaway
By Space Coast Daily // January 14, 2017
Deceased Teen Identified As Arnina A. Prince
BREVARD COUNTY • WEST MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Patrol Officers from the West Melbourne police were dispatched to 89 NW Irwin Avenue on Tuesday, January 10 and discovered a deceased juvenile that has been identified as 14-year old Arnina A. Prince.
Prince was reported as a runaway from the Miami Gardens, Florida area.
According to West Melbourne Police Capt. Richard Cordeau, responding officers found the unresponsive, partially clothed, 14-year old female in the bathtub of Apartment 8.
“Attempts to revive her were unsuccessful and she was pronounced deceased by Fire/Rescue personnel,” said Capt. Cordeau.
“Officers initially received conflicting information from multiple by-standers who were on the scene. Some of the information indicated that the victim may have been sexually assaulted and strangled. As with all death investigations, the crime scene was immediately secured.”
Due to the suspicious nature, Detectives were summoned to the scene to assume the investigation.
“Detectives have since conducted multiple interviews, executed a search warrant on Apartment 8, documented the crime scene, and worked with the Medical Examiner’s Office,” said Capt. Cordeau.
“Preliminary investigative findings did not reveal any evidence of strangulation or sexual assault. The final manner and cause of death will come from the Medical Examiner’s Office. During the search warrant on Apartment 8, illegal drugs and paraphernalia were recovered.”
According to Capt. Cordeau, at this time it is unclear if these drugs contributed to the death.
No charges have been filed and no suspects are being sought. This case remains active, as detectives await official autopsy results and conduct more interviews.
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