Bones Found in Florida Preserve May Hold Key to Murder

The remains likely belong to 32-year-old Joel Ramirez, police said.

Authorities say human bones found in southwest Florida may hold clues to the unsolved shooting death of a 42-year-old woman.

Manatee County Sheriff's Office said park rangers discovered the bones earlier this week in a wooded area in Duette Preserve.

Authorities said the remains are likely 32-year-old Joel Ramirez. He had been a person of interest in the killing of his former girlfriend in August. Maria Moralez was found shot to death about two miles from where the bones were found.

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports the park rangers also found personal identification matching Ramirez and a firearm that police believe will match evidence from the homicide.

Detectives allege Ramirez shot Moralez and then walked to the preserve and killed himself.

Authorities will await DNA results before making a formal identification.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us