LEESBURG, Fla. — Leesburg police said there is a break in the homicide investigation involving a missing elderly woman.
Bernadine Montgomery, 84, hasn't been seen in more than a month, and Friday David Mariotti, 34, who is a person of interest in the case, was arrested.
Mariotti was named by police a person of interest by police in the case last week.
Montgomery disappeared from her Palmora Boulevard home June 15. Her vehicle was found empty at Lake Harris. Dive crews have searched the lake several times, but nothing was found.
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Mariotti was found in a Gilchrist County home in Gainesville, where he had a brief stand-off with deputies, authorities said.
Authorities said Mariotti refused to come out of the home, but he came out when SWAT arrived.
Leesburg detectives are in Gilchrist County, interviewing Mariotti.
Mariotti has outstanding warrants in Lake County, said police.
Leesburg police have ruled her disappearance a homicide, but they have not found her body.
Jeremy Gentry was arrested on charges of stealing her vehicle, but he has since posted bond and is out of jail.
Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact Leesburg detectives 352-728-9862, or Crimeline 1-800-423-TIPS.
Cox Media Group
