Sumter County

15-year-old Sumter County missing teen found dead, deputies say

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A missing 15-year-old teen was found dead on Friday, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said.

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In a news release, deputies said officers searched North Wall Street in Bushnell, the last area where Jontae Haywood had been seen.

Investigators said Haywood, a student at Sumter Prep Academy, was reported missing early Friday morning.

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During the search for Haywood, investigators said they believed that Haywood “may have suffered a gunshot wound” and that his death is being investigated as a homicide.

The sheriff’s office said this is an isolated incident and there is no active threat.

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Sumter County deputies are still investigating this incident.

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Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 352-793-2621 or Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

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