Police dig through Apopka yard in search for missing man's body

APOPKA, Fla. — Crews spent all day Friday digging in the back yard of an Apopka home, hoping to find clues in a missing person's case from two years ago.

Skywitness 9 HD was over the scene as crews set up tents and began sifting through dirt at a home on Slote Drive.

Authorities said they're looking for Ron Justice, who disappeared in 2011 and once lived in the neighborhood and used to hang out the home with Daniel Craven.

Greg Friel, who now lives in the home, said police were quick in getting him out so they could start digging.

"They kicked me and my dog out of the house," said Friel. "Wouldn't even let me get dressed really."

Friel rents the home and said he was asleep inside when authorities arrived.

While Justice disappeared in 2011, he wasn't reported missing until last summer.

"We used to hang out all the time," said friend Donald Gray. "One day, he just up and vanished."

Craven's father, Danny Craven, owns the home and told Channel 9 he no longer speaks with his son, who moved out last summer.

He said he didn't even know deputies were at that home.

"That's nice, I guess," said Craven. "I better go see what the hell they're doing to it."

Neighbors said there are widespread rumors that Justice's body was burned and buried in the yard. Investigators said it's the same tip they got from Justice's ex-wife, which is why they decided to follow up on it.

Deputies will not call Daniel Craven a suspect, but they did confirm they're looking to speak with him in connection with the disappearance.

"We want to know. We want closure. That's all," said Gray.

WFTV