JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police have charged a 14-year-old girl with the murder of her foster brother, and a 13-year-old friend with helping to commit the crime.
The body of a 15-year-old boy was body was found Monday in woods beside the apartment complex where all three lived.
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The victim, still not being named, was killed Friday night, according to police reports. He was reported missing Sunday from Southwind Villas on Newton Road. The body was found about 1 p.m. Monday in woods south of Beach and Southside boulevards. The cause of death and positive identity were being established by the medical examiner.
"He's a real sweet young guy," said Joyce Jackson, who knew both the victim and the girl accused of killing him. "The last time I saw him, he looked like he was disturbed about something, and I'm thinking now that was one of those times I should have took him and said, 'Whatever it is, just let it go.'"
Tuesday morning, police announced that Latosha Renee Marks -- who lived in the same foster family as the victim -- was charged with murder and Reggie Riquay Griffin was charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Both are listed as residents of Southwind Villas.
According to the arrest report, Marks admitted to police she stabbed the boy several times Friday night because she was angry that he had punched her in the stomach earlier that evening. Police divers searched a retention pond Tuesday, looking for the murder weapon.
While Griffin is charged only with accessory after the fact, police said he admitted to holding the victim down while Marks attacked him, then put the body in a creek and covered it with palm fronds.
Both appeared before a juvenile judge Tuesday morning and were ordered held without bond.
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- June 27, 2005: Body Discovered In Woods Near Southside Apartment Complex