Deputies made an arrest months after they found a partially buried body near a county office in Fort Myers.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s social media, Gabriel Carlo Leon Torres, 44, of Fort Myers, faces charges of second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.
According to sheriff’s office, an investigation regarding a missing person led them to the man’s skeletal remains “discovered in a clandestine grave behind the Lee County Elections Center” in March.
The county medical examiner confirmed the man’s death is a homicide and the man identified as the missing person.
The investigation remains active.
Officials said detectives continue to follow leads, process evidence, and work with the State Attorney’s Office to ensure all aspects of the case are thoroughly investigated.
“… this case is far from over,” Sheriff Carmine Marceno said. “… We will not stop until every question is answered and the victim and his family receive the justice they deserve.”
The Lee County Elections Center has no involvement in this investigation, the sheriff’s office said.
Leon Torres remained in Lee County Jail on Friday afternoon with no bond set on the charges. He also faces other charges: for drug possession. He is due in court on Sept. 14.
Stacey Henson is a breaking news and visuals editor for The News-Press & Naples Daily News. Reach her at shenson@usatodayco.com.
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Fort Myers man charged in death after remains recovered in March
Reporting by Stacey Henson, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Stacey Henson, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
