North Florida boy arrested for mother’s death

Author: Associated Press
Published:

A disturbing story out of North Florida, as a woman is dead and three teens are behind bars.

Authorities said a 15-year-old Florida boy was arrested in his mother’s strangulation death after her body was found buried at a nearby church.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood told news outlets the teenager was arrested early Saturday after the body of 46-year-old Gail Cleavenger was found under a church fire pit. Investigators said the boy killed her after they argued about his school grades.

Chitwood said he faces murder charges. It was unclear Saturday if he has a lawyer to represent him. The Associated Press typically does not identify juveniles charged with crimes.

After the killing, authorities said the boy called friends to help him make it look like someone had burglarized the home. The boy initially told deputies his mother was missing.

The two 17-year-old friends face multiple charges.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.