Florida deputies investigating homicide of woman leads to arrest of suspect in Opelika
A multi-state investigation is underway after a woman was found dead in Florida and the suspect in the case was arrested in east Alabama.
The investigation began on December 14, 2024, when the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Florida was notified of a missing person named Tshey Bennett.
The investigation led to the discovery of the deceased body of Tshey Bennett on December 18, 2024 in a pond located in an abandoned neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama.
Ellington’s mugshot (LCSO)
While on the scene of the death, investigators identified the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Willie Ellington, who is an active duty marine onboard NAS Pensacola.
Ellington was located and taken into custody this afternoon in Opelika, Alabama. He is charged with first degree murder and possession of child pornography.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says throughout the investigation, it was determined that Tshey Bennett was working as an escort and had met the suspect at the Sweet Dreams Inn at the time of her disappearance.
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