Florida Woman's Body Found in Storage Unit, Husband Named Prime Suspect
ICARO Media Group
Florida law enforcement officials are investigating the disappearance of Shakeira Yvonne Rucker as a homicide after her body was discovered in a storage unit registered to her estranged husband, Cory Hill, authorities said on Sunday.
According to the Winter Springs Police Department, Rucker was reported missing by her family on November 13, stating that they last saw her on November 11. It was reported that she had left her home with Hill, her estranged husband, around 7:30 p.m. that day, and the family expressed concerns for her safety.
A massive search effort was initiated, spanning four counties and involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI. The search came to a tragic end on Saturday when authorities notified Rucker's family of the discovery of her body.
Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff's Office responded to a storage unit facility in Apopka on Saturday evening after receiving a 911 call about an odor emanating from one of the units. Upon opening the unit, deputies found the lifeless body of Rucker, who had suffered apparent gunshot wounds. The official cause of death is pending an autopsy.
Authorities quickly identified Hill, the estranged husband, as the prime suspect in the case due to the unit being registered under his name. Orange County Sheriff John Mina stated that the shooting is believed to have occurred at the storage unit, but the motive behind the crime remains unknown.
In a separate incident, Hill was already in custody at the Orange County Jail since November 13 on unrelated charges. He has been charged with four counts of attempted murder after allegedly firing shots at a former girlfriend and her family on November 12.
Law enforcement officials worked tirelessly on the case, dedicating long hours to bring closure to Rucker's family. Winter Springs Police Chief Matthew Tracht expressed gratitude for the cooperation and assistance provided by various agencies involved in the investigation.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the case to come forward. The legal representation for Hill has not yet been reached for comment.
The tragic discovery of Shakeira Yvonne Rucker's body has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the need to address domestic violence and ensuring the safety of individuals at risk. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of swift and thorough investigations in cases of missing persons, particularly when the circumstances raise concerns for their well-being.
CNN's Ashley R. Williams contributed to this report.