LEESBURG, Fla. — Deputies have made an arrest in the death of a woman whose body was found in the Indian River last week.
Lance Berning, 44, of Leesburg, was arrested Friday and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jennifer Hedges, 24, according to Brevard County sheriff's investigators.
Berning's partially submerged body was found by a boater south of Titusville Oct. 9. An autopsy determined that Hedges' death was a homicide.
Information from the Lake County Sheriff's Office helped lead them to Berning, investigators said.
Investigators said they believe Berning, who used to reside in Titusville, picked Hedges up on the street in Titusville.
According to investigators, they believe Berning drove Hedges to a remote area, where the two engaged in sex.
Investigators said they believe the encounter became violent, and Berning killed Hedges and then disposed of her body in the Indian River.
Investigators said they have recovered a vehicle belonging to Berning.
Court records show that Hedges, the mother of a 5-year-old, was arrested twice in Brevard County this year on charges of prostitution.
Berning was taken to the Lake County Sheriff's Office and will be transported to the Brevard County Jail, where he will be held without bond, investigators said.
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