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Girl, 16, shot and killed by ‘toxic’ boyfriend, 19, who then dumped her body by side of road, family says
A 19-year-old Florida man has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder after police say he shot and killed his 16-year-old girlfriend, Victoria Perez, following an argument. Her body was found in a wooded area near a road in Spring Hill, and the case has drawn attention to concerns raised by her family about the couple’s relationship.
Police say Robert Anthony Timmons admitted to the killing after initially denying knowledge of Perez’s whereabouts. Her family reported her missing on Sunday evening, and investigators identified her body the next day; surveillance footage linked Timmons to her. Authorities are searching for the gun, which they believe may have been discarded in nearby water. Perez’s family held a vigil and began raising money for her funeral.
In short
- Florida teenager Victoria Perez was found dead after being reported missing.
- Police say her 19-year-old boyfriend admitted to shooting her after an argument.
- Investigators are still searching for the firearm.
Explained simply
Victoria Perez was 16 and lived in Spring Hill, Florida, where she was in a relationship with Robert Anthony Timmons, who was 19. The case centres on her death and the circumstances surrounding the couple’s relationship.
In the United States, first-degree premeditated murder is a serious criminal charge alleging that a killing was planned. A charge is an accusation, and the case must be dealt with through the courts.
Perez’s family has spoken about concerns they had regarding the relationship. Their views provide personal context, while investigators and the courts are responsible for establishing what happened and assessing the evidence.