Body Found Off Florida Coast ID’d As Heather Rose Strickland

Federal officers are interesting for information after a Florida lady was discovered lifeless within the water.

Investigators with the FBI’s Tampa Field Office are wanting right into a suspicious dying after a lady — later recognized as 34-year-old Heather Rose Strickland — was “found floating” close to the shores of Egmont Key, about 13 miles off the coast of Pinellas County, Florida, in response to the FBI. A gaggle of fishermen made the grisly discovery on Dec. 10 and notified the United States Coast Guard shortly earlier than midday.

“The body was found wrapped in bedding in a plastic trash bag,” wrote the feds.

Those who discovered the physique tried to retrieve the bag however quickly realized it wasn’t trash, in response to CBS Palm Beach affiliate WPEC. The sufferer’s pores and skin turned uncovered when the fishermen lower into the bag, as was what gave the impression to be a bra or bikini strap.

So far, there was no report on a trigger or method of dying.

“We love her very much; she was a kind person,” the sufferer’s father, John Strickland, instructed NBC Tampa affiliate WFLA-TV. “She had some problems with mental illness, but she was a kind person, and no person deserves that.”

Strickland, a Clearwater-St. Petersburg-area resident, was final seen on Dec. 5 after leaving the HCA Florida Largo Hospital, about 30 miles north of Egmont Key, in response to the FBI. Agents say Strickland was initially from North Florida however had spent the final 5 years within the space.

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John Strickland and his spouse, Sherrie Strickland, instructed WFLA-TV reporters that they have been attempting to get their daughter again to north Florida to assist her search remedy for her psychological well being. Strickland additionally struggled with substance abuse, John instructed the Tampa Bay Times.

“One day she would act like she’s 6 years old, and the next day, she was on top of her game,” he mentioned.

“She didn’t deserve this,” added Sherrie, recognized by the Times because the sufferer’s stepmother. “Whatever happens, no person deserves this.”

Sherrie referred to her stepdaughter as a “beautiful girl” who, as a toddler, had aspirations of at some point turning into a mannequin, in response to the Tampa Bay Times.

Both dad and mom are grateful for the FBI’s work on the case.

“They’re putting up poster boards, they went to the media, they’re doing all they can,” mentioned John. “And they’re already getting clues as we speak on her last known whereabouts and her life circle.”

Sherrie particularly thanked the fishermen who discovered Strickland’s physique, per WFLA-TV.

“She never would have been found,” mentioned Sherrie. “It was God’s making sure justice comes.”

Strickland was the mom of 5 youngsters, all of whom have been reportedly positioned for adoption. Now, authorities are interesting for information as they proceed investigating the circumstances surrounding Strickland’s case.

“The FBI is asking the public to assist with any information that helps law enforcement piece together the events that led to Strickland’s death,” the FBI acknowledged.

Anyone with information about Strickland’s dying is urged to contact the FBI’s Tampa Field Office at 1-813-253-1000 or submit a tip to suggestions.fbi.gov. You may contact your native FBI workplace or your nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

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