Reward increased to $10K for suspect accused in rape, murder of teenager

Sumter County deputies have increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of a man accused of killing a teenage girl and raping another.

Deputies hope the now $10,000 reward will motivate people to turn in the suspect.

Investigators believe Larry Peavy is somewhere in South Florida.

Deputies said tips are pouring in and that they are surprised Peavy has been able to hide out for two weeks.

“Usually, within a week we have them apprehended,” said Tony Prevatt of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

It means Peavy may not be alone.

“It’s obvious that someone is helping him out,” Prevatt said.

Deputies said Peavy’s car was found in Fort Pierce at his sister’s house.

Officials believe Peavy is hiding out in that area.

U.S. marshals are involved in the search.

“They have an active team that is working on the case for it,” said Prevatt.

Last week, a tip led investigators to a location where the suspect had been hiding out only a few hours before.

Most tips are reporting sightings, but have come in from all over the state.

“We’re hoping this (the reward) turns up some type of credible tip and we can locate this person and get them off the streets,” said Prevatt.

The sheriff’s office said there are deputies ready to go if they get a tip in an area where the marshals or law enforcement in that area can’t go.

Officials said finding the suspect is a top priority.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Sumter County Sheriff's Office at 352-793-2621 or Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

Cox Media Group

Myrt Price, WFTV.com