Sumter County rape victim receives threats, family says

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A man accused of killing a Lake County teenage girl, and raping and beating another teen, remains on the run.

Larry Peavy beat Aleaya Jackson, 16, who later died and sexually assaulted, drugged and choked another 16-year-old girl after he brought them to a Bushnell home Saturday for a party, Sumter County deputies said.

Read: Search continues for man accused of sexually assaulting 2 teenage girls, killing 1

The surviving victim’s family told Tavares police that their daughter is receiving threats through social media, however, police said they have not received any report or record of threats made to the victim.

Police announced Thursday that they’ve stepped up patrols in the neighborhood where the surviving victim lives.

"We just increased (patrols) to make the family and make our citizens feel a little bit more comfortable. Our patrols have stepped up,” Sarah Coursey, with the Tavares Police Department said.

%

%%

%

Investigators said some people online are questioning the surviving victim about if she did enough to help Jackson.

Sumter County deputies told Channel 9’s Myrt Price that the surviving victim did everything should could under the circumstances. The teen convinced Peavy to take her Tavares where she called for help.

Investigators said Peavy drove to his sister's Fort Pierce home before being picked up by a friend, who they believe drove him to Fort Lauderdale. U.S. marshals are involved in the search for him.

Deputies said Peavy is wanted on murder and sexual assault charges, among others. They said that he is armed and dangerous.

There have been reports of Peavy sightings in Leesburg, Casselberry and in Martin County, but he remains on the loose.

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