Body of missing pregnant woman found; police make arrest in her murder and kidnapping
Investigators discovered the body of a 19-year-old pregnant woman who went missing from her Jackson County home a week ago ― and announced the arrest of an Alabama man in connection with her kidnapping and killing.
Anastasia Gilley, who grew up in Tallahassee but had been living in Marianna, was last seen at her home on May 3, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. The disappearance of Gilley, who was four months pregnant, touched off “around the clock” efforts to find her by JCSO and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office in South Alabama.
Following leads from interviews and other “investigative techniques,” law enforcement searched various locations in Jackson and Houston counties, JCSO said. Early Wednesday, investigators found a deceased victim near Headland, Alabama, a small town outside Dothan, Alabama.
“Investigators believe this to be the body of Anastasia Gilley, pending an autopsy,” JCSO said in the news release.
Family and friends of Gilley, who attended Rickards High School, expressed their shock and grief on social media.
"This is a nightmare we can never wake up from," her older sister, Crystal Taylor, said in a Facebook post. "YOU SHOULD STILL BE HERE. Every time I see another news headline with your name and face it just doesn't feel real. My baby sister you were not supposed to leave this world before me."
JCSO said Marquis Devan McCloud, 33, of Alabama, was arrested on a charge of capital murder during a first-degree kidnapping. McCloud had been in custody since earlier in the week.
“The suspect has been uncooperative throughout this entire investigation," the Sheriff's Office said.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said the “large, multi-state investigation” into Gilley’s killing is ongoing but noted that the suspect was no longer "a threat to the public.” JCSO said more details will be shared as the investigation continues.
Jackson County Sheriff Donald Edenfield thanked everyone who assisted and continues to help in the investigation.
“As this tragedy continues to unfold, Sheriff Edenfield and Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim,” JCSO said in the news release.
Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com and follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Body of missing Florida pregnant woman found; police make murder arrest
