ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A 25-year-old woman who called 911 early Thursday morning to say she was forced into the trunk of her car was later found dead, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.
Thursday afternoon investigators said they are searching for David Payne, 62, in connection to the slaying.
"We have tried to locate him throughout the day without success. We do believe he is still here in the area," Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said.
Investigators said they believe Payne kidnapped Jasmine Samuel from her job at Sunoco Products Co. and later killed her.
“From inside the trunk she was able to dial 911 from her cellphone and tell the dispatcher she has been kidnapping and forced into her car,” Demings said.
At about 12:30 a.m., the woman called authorities and was able to provide a general area of where she was abducted, and deputies began an extensive search.
Deputies said they found the Samuel's car at about 2 a.m. in the south Orlando Taft area in the 9000 block of 11th Avenue. Her body was found in the trunk.
The car was found about 4 miles from where investigators believe the call was made.
Tina Samuel said she had received a call from a deputy around 1 a.m. saying that her niece had called and reported being abducted.
"I'm going in circles, going in circles. I'm trying to think, 'Is this a real phone call or what?'" Tina Samuel said.
Tina Samuel said the family wants to know why Jasmine Samuel, a mother of two, was killed.
Investigators said Payne is the former boyfriend of Jasmine Samuel.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-8477.