Tragic new twist in search for missing teen after suspect's 'suicide'

A body believed to be missing Florida teen Miya Marcano has been discovered just days after the prime suspect in the police investigation took his own life.

The 19-year-old woman, who had been missing for just over a week, was discovered on Saturday morning (local time) in a wooded area near a dilapidated set of apartments in Orange County.

“This is not the update I wanted to give everyone,” Sheriff John Mina said.

“Our hearts are broken. Everyone wanted this outcome to be different.”

Authorities are yet to formally confirm the identity of the body but “are very certain” it belongs to Ms Marcano as a purse with her identification was also found nearby.

“At this time we cannot confirm a cause of death,” Sheriff Mina said.

Prime suspect found dead in suspected suicide

The Valencia College student was last seen in her apartment at the Arden Villas complex in Orlando on September 24.

A maintenance manager in the building, Armando Caballero, quickly emerged as the prime suspect in her disappearance.

Investigators said Ms Marcano had previously turned down romantic advances from Mr Caballero, who had a key fob and used it to access her apartment.

Mr Caballero was found dead on Monday (local time) from a suspected suicide on September 30 in his apartment in neighbouring Seminole County.

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Phone records lead to grim discovery

His phone records are what led police to search the area in Orange County.

They put him at the rundown Tymber Skan apartments, where he and his family once lived, for about 20 minutes between 8pm and 9pm the same day Ms Marcano went missing.

"We believe Armando Caballero is solely responsible for this crime," Sheriff Mina said.

Ms Marcano’s family has been notified of the grim discovery.

“I've spoken to Miya's family on a constant basis throughout this entire week, and so have our detectives, and their hope and their resolve was nothing short of amazing,' Sheriff Mina said.

“Our heart goes out to them.”

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

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