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Deputies: Man arrested in Puerto Rico in connection with Orange County woman's death

ORLANDO, Fla. — A 32-year-old man who was named a person of interest in the death of his on-again, off-again girlfriend has been arrested in Puerto Rico, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said Saturday morning.

Christian Valentin Penchi was arrested on a first-degree murder warrant in connection with the death of Vanessa Cocly, 23, and was charged with grand theft in an unrelated case, Sheriff's Office spokesman Jeff Williamson said.

Investigators said they discovered Cocly's body Friday in Penchi's unit at the Sand Lake Condominiums five days after she didn't show up for a new job.

The Southern Technical College student was reported missing Saturday after she was seen leaving her East Cypress Street home in the Taft neighborhood, deputies said. Her car was abandoned near the school.

Deputies haven't disclosed how Cocly died.

No other details were given.

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